#bastard daughter + second (grand)son

[wildfairies]

i really do want to talk about it more eventually bc it is just too funny but im still having so much fun thinking about odette/illario being forced together as punishment... both of them thinking they can seduce the other, realizing they both think they are masters of seduction, attempting to out-seduce each other so hard it cancels out and they just fall in love

[solkara]

❛ 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 , benjicot blackwood ❜

⌗ 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 , you were the apple of your family's eye a rare gem they would do anything to protect but sometimes even the purest doves crave something bloody

⌗ 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 , benjicot blackwood x fem! velaryon / strong! reader

⌗ 𝐬𝐨𝐥'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 , benji with the 10 seconds of screen time ateee tbh or wait is it not benji cuz I've heard some people say it's not so plz explain cuz I'm so confused lmfao !!

house of the dragon masterlist

⌗ you were a bastard. born from a night of passion shared between you mother and father. rhaenyra and daemon. but no one would ever call you a bastard. as you bore all the features of a targaryen unlike your siblings. white hair purple eyes. the seven kingdoms called you aemma reborn. as your striking resemblance to your late grand mother was uncanny.

⌗ growing up life was easy. your mother and grandsire doted on you. your siblings would go to the ends of the known world for you. ser harwin and leanor though not your real fathers stepped up and were there for you whenever you needed them. and though you had never met your real father your mother told you that he would love you.

⌗ truth be told there was nothing that daemon more than to be with you. his daughter. his oldest. but he settled for watching from afar for now. hearing about all of your achievements in pentos. how you had claimed the creeping death amaris. a dragon that had never been claimed and was rumored to be from balerion's final clutch. and it showed. as amaris was the largest dragon around. making vaghar look petite. and while daemon couldn't help but be the proudest man in the known world. part of him breathed a sigh of relief that his daughter didn't get hurt.

⌗ life was good. as you grew older tales of your beauty spread far and wide. from winterfell to dorne. you had suitors from all over flock to offer their hand. from dresses to castles. they offered it all. but were ultimately shut down by either your mother or grandsire. even the queen alicent tried offering the hand of one of her sons. but that idea fizzled out after diftmark. though it was still obvious that both of the queen's son's still bore a certain mixture of fondness and lust for you.

⌗ the deaths of harwin and laenor broke you. and after the the harrowing night of having to watch aemond lose an eye. you were exhausted. your eyes red and with no tears left to cry. you walked off to find your mother after having just finished packing. only to find her with an unfamiliar man. "mother?" you asked approaching with caution.

⌗ "my darling girl I want you to meet someone this is daemon your father" and for a moment your heart stopped as you looked at the man before you. you had dreamed for so long for the day that you would finally meet your father. and now it was here you didn't know what to do. but fear not as daemon took matters into his own hands. pulling you into his embrace which you gladly accepted. finally you left complete.

⌗ after that time seemed to fly by. your mother and father got married. your brother got betrothed to your half-sisters. and all of you lived happily on dragonstone together. with you and your siblings going for frequent dragon rides together. teaching them high valyrian. listen to your father's many stories he gained from his travels. and letting your mother braid your hair while the two of you giggled about the newest gossip.

⌗ though there was one topic she would never touch. and there were suitors. as princess rhaenyra had received hundreds if not thousands of offers for her daughter's hand. which she all denied. at one point there were so many that daemon restored to using a large chunk of them as kindle for the fire in their room. claiming "none of those vile pig's are good enough for my daughter" to which the heir agreed. the last thing she wanted was for her beloved daughter to be used by some lord as a broodmare.

⌗ but rhaenyra knew that she would have to wed her daughter off at some point. and that scared her. though her eldest was the blood of a dragon. you were gentle and soft. the apple of her eye and the thought of you being hurt. by a man nonetheless made her heart clench. and daemon agreed swearing he would rip any man. regardless of who. if they tried anything with their daughter. which was easy to say as the royal couple were under the impression their daughter's interest hadn't been caught by anyone. but oh how wrong they were.

⌗ see you had indeed had your eyes set on someone. who's name happened to be ben. the first time you saw him was at your name day tourney. where he jousted against a lannister. and won much to your joy. before going on to win the tournament. after asking for your favour. which you gladly gave. and you couldn't help but blush. as you couldn't deny he was attractive. even if he was covered in someone else's blood.

⌗ and so began the beautiful friendship between the two of you. as you went from secret love letters sent by ravens. to flying to see him whenever you could. truth is you were head over heels for him. just as he was for you. you were two half's that made a whole. twin flames if you will. and ben had made it clear that he would give you the world and that all you had to do was ask for it. a sentiment which you reverberated. the two of you had talked about a life together. married and with kids. now all you had to do was tell your parents.

⌗ but oh boy when you decided to tell them. was that an interesting conversation. your father nearly unsheathed dark sister. your mother nearly passed out in horror. your brothers were either confused or looking at benjicot like he was dragon food. and your sisters were smiling from ear to ear. but after they had all settled down you spoke. and the two of you made it very clear that you were madly in love. and after a few more threats from your father and brothers. a couple more happy tears and hugs from your mother and sisters. everyone had made peace with the fact and were overjoyed for the both of you.

⌗ and within the week news had spread to every corner of the seven kingdom's of your betrothal to the blackwood. and with was also said that the men of the kingdom's morned the loss of the chance to marry you by descending on brothels to drink and lay with whores. your uncles included. but you paid little mind. as you enjoyed life within your little bubble. spending your days with your family and benji. life was perfect. and you couldn't wait for the wedding.

⌗ and once the day finally arrived. you were jittery with nerves. dressed head to toe in white. you looked the spitting image of duty. as you walked arm in arm with your father towards the alter. the eyes of hundreds of highborns fixed on you in awe. but all you could focus on was. ben. your ben. as the two of you recited your vows with joy you sealed it with a kiss. and after the celebrations of the night. and your new husband threatening to behead anyone who dares mention a bedding ceremony. the two of you joined select family. from both side. to join for another ceremony. a traditional valyrian wedding. and as you sealed your love once more with a bloody kiss. you now truly had it all.

anon , May I please have a targaryen! reader, daughter of daemon and rhaenyra, born after jace like she looks so much like Aemma, and the kingdom would speak of her as Aemma reborn, being favored by Viserys and her people. Can imagine her claiming a dragon that was rumored to be from the late Balerion’s clutch, a stark contrast to the other she-dragons, with her own being a ferocious creature of black scales and fire of black and red. While she is loved in her kingdom, she is also loved in her family. Much like Helaena, the reader is the apple of the kingdom’s eyes and dearer to her family more than anything. And when the topic of suitors comes, all of them are horrified when the one that catches her eye is the Bloody Ben himself, Benjicot Blackwood. ps. I’m a sucker for a beloved character whom loves someone that is the exact opposite of her 😭💖 Requesting for more familial and platonic fic with the Benjicot romance just maybe being small 😩☝️

[winterhalters]

K I N G S I D E, a tale of seven kings

first season 1514-1520. Claude and François finally get married, a vacant seat for Mary Tudor, Louise of Savoy's stubborness to keep her son in check. A new King arises, the New Order, François' quest for glory in Italy. Another crown, another campaign.

second season 1522-1530. The inheritance dispute that leads Bourbon to treason. The pursuit of the italian dream, Claude dies, all is lost in Pavia. Süleyman and the unthinkable alliance, captivity in Spain. The Ottoman fleet. Royal depression. The inheritance dispute that led Bourbon to treason. The ladies' peace, Henry VIII flinching, a price for two princes, a New wife for the King.

third season 1531-1537. Louise dies, tensions between François and Marguerite. The wedding of Catherine and Henri. The rise of Pisseleu, the battle at Court between Charles and Henri and their people. War between Diane and Montmorency. Placards and the anti-heterics frenzy, another war in Italy. Wedding and death of Madeleine.

fourth season 1539-1547. Mending tensions between France and Spain. A very stubborn niece. All eyes on Henri and Catherine's sterile womb. Death of Charles. The duel in Jarnac. The King is dead, long live. Diane de Poitier's absolute triumph over Anne de Pisseleu. The Guises make their move.

fifth season 1553-1559. Diane of France's not so typical royal wedding. Catherine giving birth to the twins, Chenonceau goes to Diane, the cordial hate between the two. Rohan VS Nemours. Montmorency mess and a remarriage for Diane of France. The death of Henri, everything falls down.

sixth season 1560-1564. François II barely hanging on, Catherine's almost giving up, Elisabeth married off, the Guise family's counterpower, Montemorency's political exile, the Amboise conspiracy, preparations for the grand tour.

seventh season 1565-1572. The end of the grand tour, encounter between the royal family and Elisabeth, queen of Spain. The rise of Charles IX, a new queen, Marie Touchet and her bastard boys. Catherine's plans to get a match for Marguerite. Rising tensions between Charles and Henri after Jarnac and Montcontour. Marguerite's nuptials amidst tensions and Coligny's attempted murder.

eighth season 1572-1575. Coligny and the Protestant leaders rallying the troops. The Saint Barthelemew Massacre and the promise of Marguerite to never forgive her family. Catherine finds out Anjou's possible involvement. A new king for Poland. Marguerite's toubled married life. Death of Charles IX. Henri's escape from Poland and slow return to France.

nineth season 1581-1584. Catherine's illusions shatter. New King, no heir. Marguerite returns to Paris. Louise shows some spine against the King's favorites. Quarelling with Anjou, tensions with Elizabethan England, Anjou's election and subsequent death and Catherine's anger. The Guise family veering off the road.

tenth season 1585-1589. The mounting war of the three Henris. All eyes on King Henri who has no sons, Catherine's political exile, the slow burning of the last Valois children. Hunting down Marguerite from stronghold to stronghold, ending with her house arrest in Usson. Assassination of the Guise brothers, the death of Catherine, Henri III breaks down in Diane's arms. Marguerite in exile, Diane the only "true" daughter of Catherine's, as she sets out to (successfully) pacify the kingdom on her own.

[pinkydevil16]

Aemond Targaryen x reader

"If you step a mere inch closer to me Uncle i shall run you through and take that pretty Jewel for a necklace." Y/n spoke as she removed her riding gloves, having only dismounted from her dragon a few minutes prior ready to stand beside her Mother and defend her younger brother.

"Your tongue is sharper than your sword Niece and we both know which one you wield better so i suggest you quiet that tone." Y/n turned slowly, her eyebrow raised and gloves in one hand as she surveyed her Uncle, his long white hair tied away from his face which was half covered by the eye patch he wore.

"Did you come here to exchange remarks or do you have a reason for bothering me after my long journey?" Aemond smirked as he stepped closer, Y/n's hand dropping to her sword as she steadied her stance, the one eyed Targaryen not heading her warning as he tilted his head to look down upon his Niece. 

"Soon the realm will rejoice as your bastard brothers are shown for who they really are and shipped to the wall...or maybe i will let them be cupbearers and take them on a hunt for target practice." Y/n could only smirk as she removed her hand from her sword and crossed her arms, looking up at Aemond with a smug look.

"If i were you Uncle i would keep such usurper comments to myself, i'm sure the King would not like the same accusations you made when you lost your eye to be mentioned again. Some might fear you would be sharply questioned as to where you heard such rumours. Perhaps your right eye would make a good starting point, but then you would not be able to look upon my Mother as she ascends the iron throne." Y/n placed her hand on his shoulder as she spoke, wiping away dust before sighing and removing her hands.

"Now if you are done Uncle, i have important business to attend to, some of us are missed by the court in our absence." Y/n turned and began walking away before turning and grinning at Aemond.

"You suit green, the colour of envy seems almost perfect for the second son." Y/n let out a laugh as she continued walking away, throwing her gloves to her personal guard as they followed after her, Aemond stood gripping his sword with a grimace before turning and shouting at a nearby guard to move. 

Y/n stood next to her Mother as Vaemond spoke, her teeth grinding together before placing a hand on Luce's shoulder to show her silent support, her eyes casting to where Aemond stood, a smirk on his face. Her head snapping back as Otto stood, her eyebrows furrowing as he went to speak, 'the hand of king' and the father of the Queen who despised the Heir was not going to be good. Before he could speak the grand doors opened, Rhaenyra letting out a small gasp as Viserys walked through the doors, his broken and feeble body barely standing as he leaned heavily on his cane. Gold covering his half disfigured face as he looked towards his daughter and her children, Otto moving quickly as the King approached the iron throne, Daemon moving to assist his brother as Y/n stared forward. 

"He is staring at you." Jacaerys whispered to his sister, their grandfather talking as he concealed his voice, Y/n letting out a small huff before rolling her shoulders and standing straight.

"He is looking at us all, jealousy is a worse beast than any dragon and it claws at him with every whisper of our names through out the keep. When he looks you should not think about his gaze only acknowledge with each glance that he is being torn apart and the pieces poisoned until they rot and fall apart." Jacaerys rolled his eyes at his sister's words, instead concentrating on Vaemond as he began speaking, a newfound anger in his voice as he ranted. 

"That is no true Valaryon! And certainly no nephew of mine." Rhaenyra moved her sons behind her as Y/n took a step forward, her hand on her sword as Vaemond pointed at Luce, her step father glaring him down as Viserys spoke. 

"Say it." Daemon whispered, Vaemond goated by the Targaryen as he sucked in a breath.

"Her children are bastards! And she is a whore!" Vaemond shouted as he pointed at Rhaenyra, Aemond turning to stare directly at Y/n as Viserys stood.

"I shall have your tongue for that." Before Viserys could descend the iron throne Y/n sword was drawn and Vaemond's head sliced through, Daemon putting out his hand to take the blade from his step daughter, cleaning it as she sneered at the body of Vaemond.

"He can keep his tongue." Y/n almost spat before raising her eyes to stare at Aemond, his face barely showing the shock that shined in his eye, Halaena holding her ears as she hid in Alicent's arms. Y/n turning to look at the King before bowing, dropping her eyes and looking up at him as he looked down at her with pride. 

"Grandfather, My King, i apologise for the bloodshed." Y/n turned as Daemon handed her the sword, a smirk on his face as she sheathed it onto her side and exited the throne room. Rhaenyra moving to assist her father and Alicent ran towards the ailed old King playing the perfect wife. 

"You are too impulsive Niece, many wars have been fought and lost by those such as yourself." Y/n rolled her eyes as she placed down her glass of wine, her handmaid pulling apart the intricate braids atop her head before Y/n raised a hand and dismissed her. Her hair now loosely flowing as she turned her head and gestured to the seat near the fire, Aemond humming as he took the seat, Y/n standing and pouring him a glass of wine as he studied her.

"Do you always seek out the company of those you despise or do you just enjoy gracing me with your arrogance?" Y/n sat back down as she picked up her glass and swirled the wine, looking at Aemond over the glass as she took a small sip, his hand hovering over the glass as he continued to watch her. Y/n hummed as she drank the sweet wine, taking her thumb and wiping her mouth before placing the glass back down and lounging into the chair, lazily looking over at Aemond as she sighed and closed her eyes. 

"Aemond, i do not understand why you burden yourself with my presence, i do not enjoy yours and it is common knowledge that you do not enjoy mine, so why play these games?" Y/n ran her hands down her face and stood, turning away from Aemond as she collected her glass and downed it, running a hand through her hair. Hearing Aemond stand, her body on alert as he grew closer before wrapping his hand in her hair, pulling her head back to look up at him as he stared down at her. Bent to his will as she stoned her face, his nails lightly scratching her head as he felt her soft hair against his coarse hand. 

"Your presence is a burden and yet i desire it, to see you control your impulses and act so mature and yet deep down i can see that scared little girl holding the knife that cut my eye out." Y/n glared at Aemond as he loosened his grip, pulling her head to rest against his shoulder so he could bring his mouth to her ear.

"One day i shall pluck your eye from your socket and feed it to my dragon along side your bastard brothers bodies." Aemond let go of Y/n's hair as he stepped back, her head dropping forward as she clenched her fists, knowing he wished for a fight, something to quench the blood thirst he'd held against her since that night. 

This was just something i wrote cos i kept thinking about it, i'm not quite sure if i should continue writing this or what? I'm trying to get out of this rut 

Hope people don't mind being tagged i know it's been a long time

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[atopvisenyashill]

THE PACT OF ICE AND FIRE

so there's an aspect of this one i don't think has really been delved into that I think may be important when it comes to canon jonsa and I wanted to do my own lil analysis, along with maybe some tin hatting at the end here.

this is what the pact is (or what we know of it at any rate, Munkun is not exactly a good source of information):

Cregan Stark and Jacaerys Velaryon reached an accord, and signed and sealed the agreement that Grand Maester Munkun calls “the Pact of Ice and Fire” in his True Telling. Like many such pacts, it was to be sealed with a marriage. Lord Cregan’s son, Rickon, was a year old. Prince Jacaerys was as yet unmarried and childless, but it was assumed that he would sire children of his own once his mother sat the Iron Throne. Under the terms of the pact, the prince’s firstborn daughter would be sent north at the age of seven, to be fostered at Winterfell until such time as she was old enough to marry Lord Cregan’s heir.

There's two parts to this that I think are important here. Here is the first, which is the basics of the pact, and that most Jonsas are familiar with:

Jacaery's First Born Daughter Is Fostered At Winterfell -> She will marry Cregan's first born son and heir.

Obviously, this never happened for several reasons and the pact is forgotten but perhaps it will be fulfilled anyway by...

Jon, a secret Targaryen bastard, is "fostered" at Winterfell -> he will fulfill the pact by marrying a Stark Maiden aka Sansa.

Basically, it's a genderswapped version of what the pact entails. I think given George's fondness for how Tolkien was a hater of Macbeth because he thought the "no man of woman born" should have indicated a girl and not just a man born via c-section, I think the genderswap aspect fits George's style.

The second part however, has more to do with Jacaerys and Sara and I feel like it's glossed over a bit. See here:

They had spoken their vows in Winterfell’s own godswood before a heart tree, and only then had she given herself to him, wrapped in furs amidst the snows as the old gods looked on.

Jacaerys, a "secret" Targaryen bastard who gets his family name and allegiances through his mother, not his father -> Rumors of a secret marriage in front of a Weirwood with a Stark bastard, Sara

Listen. It doesn't matter whether Sara Snow is real, you believe whatever makes you happy! But what IS real and relevant is that this part was included in F&B for a reason, and is indicated to be the catalyst for the pact. Jace and Sara get secret married in front of a Weirwood, and this is what calms down Cregan so they can make their pact. And here is how (I believe) it applies to Jonsa:

Jon, a secret Targaryen bastard, but who gets his look and his allegiance not through his father but Lyanna's blood -> Jon, a Stark bastard, will marry an Heir in secret in front of a Weirwood tree.

THAT is, imo, the most important aspect of this scandalous story from Mushroom - that a secret bastard, a targaryen and a stark, secretly marry in front of a Weirwood tree just before a bloody war kicks off. People tend to make Sansa the Sara in this part, which is valid, but I think Sansa's role in this is not just to be the pretty Stark maiden, but to be the HEIR that is secretly marrying for love, like Jacaerys is, and that Jon's role will be about his status as a bastard, so that both parts kind of apply to both characters. And given that, if Jace and Sara had married, their daughter would have been a Starkgaryen with "secret" bastard heritage (from both her parents), marrying a Stark Heir, it does make sense (at least in my mind) that this may apply to Jon and Sansa's future plot. the That's something I touched on here in my "what will Jon's endgame" post.

Then there's the Vermax of it all...

Mushroom also claims that Vermax left a clutch of dragon’s eggs at Winterfell, which is equally absurd. Whilst it is true that determining the sex of a living dragon is a nigh on impossible task, no other source mentions Vermax producing so much as a single egg, so it must be assumed that he was male. Septon Barth’s speculation that the dragons change sex at need, being “as mutable as flame,” is too ludicrous to consider.)

This brought to mind the ole' Jonnel and Sansa (the first) thing - beyond the J&S similarities (Jacaerys & Sara, Jon & Sansa, Jonnel & Sansa), I think it's also important that Jonnel and Sansa never have any children, though they're married for several years. Jacaerys and Sara also never have children, yet there's the rumor Vermax laid eggs in the crypt, with some believing this may have meant Sara was pregnant (but perhaps miscarried) when Jacaerys left. I think however, the fact that both J&S couples kind of mysteriously do not have children of their own, and that their Houses descend from someone else to be important.

I've kind of briefly gone into the idea that Bran rules in a parliamentary style over (what's left of) Westeros, and while I'm not too committed one way or the other on whether he physically has children or whether they elect the ruler on the Iron Throne more often starting from Bran, the succession is significantly less of an issue because of the permanent Great Council/Parliament that will exist. Sansa (and Jon, for that matter), however, is the heiress to a long line of kings and lords and needs some sort of heir. I don't think it's out of the realm of possibililty that while in the Vale, she connects with some of Jocelyn Stark's descendants (the famous "Vale cousins" that Catelyn mentions as heirs for Robb) and makes one of them her heir, or even names the children of Arya her heir, and pulls a Queen Elizabeth, but then I thought of Vermax laying dragon eggs that are never found, and Jonnel and Sansa never having children, and George's love of threes and thought...perhaps Jon and Sansa will have an heir, but Sansa can't claim the child as hers.

In that same vein, it’s noteworthy to me as well that Serena and Edric (Sansa's younger sister and Jonnel's younger brother) have TWO sons but the line completely bypasses them. We have no idea how the Northerners felt about these marriages beyond the fact that they didn't like Lynara's sons because their rules were plagued by troubles. Is it possible that they chose to bypass Edric's sons because of the incest, and Sansa/Jon may be forced to reconcile with how the realm views him (as Ned's son) and what he actually is (Lyanna's son) when it comes to the line of succession? IE - Vermax is rumored to lay an egg in the crypts but no one ever finds out, Sansa is rumored to have have had a child with her “brother” but no one ever finds out the truth.

TO SUM UP: I think the Pact of Ice and Fire is a hint that Jon and Sansa will secretly marry in the godswood of Winterfell, and it's likely that when Sansa is named Queen in the North, her heir will be "fathered by a wolf" or a "wildling" and she and Jon won't be able to tell anyone that Jon is the father.

[catofadifferentcolor]

Terrible Fic Idea #73: Game of Thrones, but make it Lancelot

As anyone can tell you, I have a terrible weakness for female Jon Snow fics, largely because a female heir to the throne allows you to combine claims and explore facets of Westeros in a way that can't be easily done with rival male claimants. And then I thought: if I can have an Anne Boleyn, why not a Lancelot?

Or: What if Jon Snow, the most famed knight of his generation, had an affair with the Queen of Westeros?

Aka: The Lord Protector Fic

Just imagine it:

Everything follows canon, except Cersei Lannister dies in childbirth with her second child, Myrcella. This bothers her husband not at all and, despite Jon Arryn's urging him to remarry to secure his throne, Robert works his way through a series of brothels and mistresses before being forced to marry 14-year-old Margaery Tyrell in 297 in exchange for House Tyrell paying off some of his debts.

When Jon Arryn dies the following year, Robert and his court head north as per canon. While there, Sir Barristan takes interest in young Jon Snow - perhaps he sees something of Rhaegar in the boy, maybe he imagines he sees something of his presumed uncle Arthur Dayne's talent in him - and offers to raise him to knighthood with the aim of one day serving in the Kingsguard.

Ned is unable to turn down the offer, and reluctantly allows Jon to accompany them to King's Landing.

Jon quickly gains a reputation for gallantry and chivalry to rival either Barristan the Bold or Arthur Dayne - he intervenes when Joffrey tries to have Lady put down, makes a strong showing in the Hand's Tourney, and preforms several small acts of standing up for ladies/smallfolk/children that are quickly mythologized. Within two years he's knighted, with some asking if he will be allowed to take up the Sword of Morning as a presumed bastard of House Dayne.

Princess Myrcella is particularly taken with him after he defends her from Joffrey and demands he become her sworn sword until a position opens up in the Kingsguard.

His actions also draw the attention of Queen Margaery, who is even less happy in her position as queen than Cersei was but much better at hiding it. At first it's just friendship couched in a courtly love tradition, but by 299 they're lovers. When she gives birth to Prince Harlen a year later there's no doubt in her mind that Jon is the father.

Meanwhile, King Robert is almost as taken with Jon as his wife and daughter, for here is a version of Ned Stark who is also knightly, willing to take part in tourneys and feasts and dancing, and cannot help but see Jon as the son he never got to have with Lyanna. Instead of allowing Jon to take a position the Kingsguard as they open up, he showers Jon with riches and titles.

After winning a huge purse at the tourney in honor of Prince Harlen's second birthday - and Queen Margaery's second pregnancy - Jon is named Lord Cargyll, taking up the name and lands of the extinct Crownlands house of the same name, changing the golden goose in their banners to a golden direwolf.

After a falling out with Renly a year later, Jon is named Master of Laws...

...and six months later Robert's vices finally catch up with him, infamously being found dead in brothel of particularly ill-repute following an orgy.

Joffrey, now 17, is still very much his mother's son. One of his first acts on being named king is to declare his father's second marriage invalid and his half-siblings, Prince Harlen and Princess Lenna, bastards. His second act is to declare most of his father's Kingsguard and small council traitors for allowing his father to be "lured" to the brothel where he was "assassinated by Targaryen loyalists."

This naturally goes down badly, and though some of the lords named are captured and executed - Ned Stark, Petyr Balish, and Grand Maester Pycelle among them - most manage to escape. Jon in particular is able to get Margaery and the royal children to his lands in the Crownlands, and start raising a rebellion in Prince Harlen's name.

Robb ends up leading an army south to avenge his father, as per canon, but is never named King in the North. He does win several key victories against Tywin Lannister in the west, eventually taking Tywin himself captive. His victories earn him the nickname the Hammer of the West, a la Edward I.

Jon leads the fighting against the Lannister forces in the east, eventually taking King's Landing. The fact that he's able to keep his army from sacking the city and offers Joffrey the chance to take the black earns him the nickname Jon the Just. (Joffrey naturally refuses, tries to attack Jon in a rage, and is very swiftly killed in self-defense.)

In the aftermath, 4-year-old Harlen is crowned king. His mother Margaery is named Queen Regent, with Jon being asked to serve as Lord Protector of the Realm instead of taking one of the open spaces in the Kingsguard. He agrees, and two years later weds Margaery in a ceremony forever known as the Rose Wedding. (It's not as flash as the Golden Wedding, but is still something else.)

Meanwhile, Tywin is sent into exile for his part in abetting Joffrey's actions, with Tyrion taking over as Lord of the Rock. He and Sansa eventually wed and, though their marriage is never one of love, both are are content with their choice.

Robb marries Myrcella. Theirs does end up being a love match, becoming taken with each other when they first meet in the aftermath of Harlen's Rebellion. After their marriage they seem to make it their effort to make up for all of House Stark's losses, eventually having eleven children live to adulthood and marry into various important houses. By their deaths they're known as the Grandparents of Westeros.

Jon goes to his grave thinking he is Ned Stark's son, not knowing he's inadvertently brought about a Targaryen restoration.

Bonuses include: 1) the full force of angst and drama being brought to bear on Jon and Margaery's relationship, from its start as a mutual crush when they first come to each other's attention on the journey from Winterfell until they finally marry in 306. This should include Jon's desire never to father a bastard, Margaery's awareness that infidelity in a queen is treason, and their inability to keep away from each other. Extra bonus points if Margaery is able to pass Harlan and Lenna off as Robert's even to Jon, and not admit the truth until many years later; 2) every possible Camelot illusion that can be made to King Robert's court, made with the full knowledge that the beauty and glamor and chivalry of both courts is just smoke and mirrors, and one doesn't have to go looking very hard to find the gritty, painful, ugly reality beneath; 3) Jon using his time as Lord Protector to force through something like the Magna Carta, which enshrines basic rights that even kings must follow far more than the RL document actually did; and 4) Sansa having a prominent B-plot, slowly realizing during her time at court that not everything can be a song. The turning point of this is not Ned's execution, but her discovery of Jon and Margaery's affair years before - and her active choice to cover for them so that someone at least gets their happy ending.

And that's all I have. As always, feel free to adopt this plot bunny, just link back to me if you do anything with it.

Other Jon Snow Headcanons: Aelor the Accursed | Aegon the Adopted | Aegon the Undying | Aegon the Unyielding | Aemon the Adventurous | Baelor the Brave | Bastard of Winterfell | Daemon the Destroyer | Daena the Dreamer | Daeron the Desired | Dyanna the Defiant | Elia the Magnificent | Jon the Fair | Jon Whitefyre | King of the Ashes | Lady Arryn | Lady Baratheon | Lady Lannister | Lady Stark | Lord of the Dance | Lord Protector | Maekar the Maester | People's Queen | Prince Consort | Prince of Summerhall | Queen Mother | Queen of Nightingales | Red Queen | Rhaegar the Righteous | River Queen | Shiera Snowbird | Visneya the Victorious | Weirwood Queen | Wolf Queen

More Terrible Fic Ideas

[loksthegreat]

vis and otto!! either a sketch or more infodump about their relationship!

I choose Infodump! (Though some art is gonna follow eventually)

So Visenya and Otto met in 101 AC, when Visenyas grandfather, Baelon died and Viserys was chosen as heir by the council and wanted his oldest daughter by his side and Otto became the new Hand of the king. Vis wasn’t all that happy having to leave Dragonstone in the first place and she and Viserys didn’t get along one bit, and since Aemma was rather soft spoken and rarely successful in calming the raging princess, Otto would often go to conciliate between the two of them. They formed a rather strange ‘friendship’ during this time and a years later Viserys and Otto struck a marriage alliance, much to Visenyas anger, who felt betrayed by both her father and the hand, whom she had just begun to trust. They married in 102 AC, upon the princess’ sixteenth name day in a grand ceremony, with feasting that lasted for seven days. The early months of their marriage were filled with a fierce hatred from the princess’ side, as well as an undeniable tension filled with petty arguments, occasionally broken by a shared moment of tenderness, and not long after the wedding, the couple discovered that they were with child. The last stage of pregnancy often left Vi miserable and emotional, during this time she and Aemma grew close for the first time, over their shared pains and memories of their mothers, both of whom had died in childbirth.

Filled with fear and lonely as her husband worked away at ruling the realm day and night, Visenya promptly left the red keep unnoticed in the chaos that broke upon the death of king Jaehaerys, she sneaked into the dragon pit to claim a dragon for herself and return to her true home on Dragonstone, and she succeeded in mounting her late great grandfathers dragon, Vermithor, the bronze fury. Flying through a brief but heavy summer storm, the princess reached her destination and by the time Otto and her father had made it to the island by boat, she had given birth to her first child, a son she named Maegor, in spite of her husband and fathers wishes. Upon her return to the red keep after her brief stay in her ancestral home everyone that knew Visenya would find her to be a changed woman, she scarcely cried and scream in public as she used to whenever she and her father would argue, instead within the few weeks she had been gone, she had mastered a different expression of anger, she would speak with refined cruelty, eyes cold and unyielding and voice dripping with venom when displeased, she was however much slower to anger than before and spend most of her days seeing to her son. She and Otto grew to work together better in this time, though it was not a closeness born from love, they had a kingdom to rule and did so.

In 104 AC Visenya visited the wedding of her close friend and former lady in waiting, Gilliane Glover, to Lord Stark, a visit from which she would return with the bastard knight, Ser Arthur of the Forrest, the third knight to join her side among her sworn shield, gruff Ser Lyle Bracken and the handsome knight of flowers, Ser Lothar. Shortly after her return, Visenya and Aemma both announced that they had fallen pregnant once more. And in 105 AC both women went into labor, Aemma at the red keep, Visenya on Dragonstone. And while Aemma and Prince Baelon died, Visenya and Otto welcomed their second son, Baelor, whoms birth had been a deeply traumatic experience for the princess, who had been plagued by visions of her stepmothers death. In the following months Visenya remained anxious and Otto was painfully reminded of the girl he had meet four years ago, broken by the loss of her foster mother, queen Alysanne and her beloved grandfather, prince Baelon, while not a pleasant time, it served to bring the princess and the hand closer together, allowing each other to be vulnerable around the other for the first time. When the princess fell pregnant again not long after Baelors birth, Otto expressed his concerns about having for children, causing many fights among the couple, but this time around forgiveness would follow quickly and soon enough the twins Rhaenar and Saeron were born, Otto being present for the birth for the first time. The following year on Dragonstone would be the happiest of their relationship.

In Late 106 AC Prince Daemon and Lord Corlys start their war against the triachy, Viserys refuses to send his troops and he and Visenya fight about it long and hard, but eventually Visenya has enough and takes matters into her own hands, seeking the help of her cousins on the iron isles and soon enough the Greyjoy fleet manages to turn the tables for Daemon and Corlys. Still the war rages on for another two years before Visenya returns home, giving birth to her fifth son Jaehaeron soon after, the rumors surrounding the boys parentage as well as the long months spend apart serve to drive a wedge between the princess and her husband and soon enough when Otto returns to his duties as Hand in 109 AC the two fight beyond the point of reconciliation. Otto leaves for Kings landing, while Visenya and her children stay behind on Dragonstone, the princess once more with child. Lord Otto would not met his youngest Son, Aurys, for another few years or so.

In 111 AC Daemon and Viserys would set their differences aside for a short while, and Visenya even visited kings landing for a tourney held to celebrate the return of the brother to his kings side, but the familial reconciliation was short lived, ending with Visenya humiliated by her father, Daemon sent away once more and the Hand greatly angered by by his king. Visenya and Daemon returned to Dragonstone together, and would relive the days of their shared childhood spend chasing around the island. It was at another tourney in 114 AC, held to celebrate the betrothal of princess Rhaenyra, that Otto and Visenya met again. Otto who usually refrained from competing in tourneys, entered the lists after being provoked by Daemon, they would break multiple lances, before Daemon managed to unsaddle the Hand and win, frozen with fear for her husbands live, Visenya only broke from her trance when Daemon went to crown her his queen of love and beauty, the girl would rush past her uncle falling into her husbands arms. It seemed it took the shadow of death to bring the Hand and his dragon bride back together, but once reunited they would not stray from the others side again. And while Daemon was send into exile by the king, a choice that Visenya was greatly unhappy with, she and the children left behind the foggy isle of their ancestors and returned to live at court.

Within the same year Aerion was born and it seemed the couple was closer than ever, especially when not a year later, their first daughter was born, little Alysanne, who served to fully smooth over the scars left on her parents relationship. Otto adored the girl and would often leave his study early to see her to sleep personally and in turn the little princess grew to be her fathers constant shadow. Visenya has visited Sunspear with Daemon a few year prior and upon the news of prince Orys death she went to attend his funeral, during her stay in Dorne Visenya had princess Nymena, the sister of the late prince, and the regent for his 12 year old daughter, Velaris, would strike up a friendship of sorts. On one of the last few days of her stay, the princess was attacked by Dornishmen who distasted the relations of Dorne to the iron throne, the fight resulting in the death of her close friend Ser Arthur, who had accompanied her, as Ser Bracken was not fond of flying on dragonback. Visenya returned home with the body of a man she had loved and a broken heart, that Otto could never quite mend.

In the following year Visenya would give birth to another son, Daeron, and slowly but surely start to recover from her loss, Daemon who had married Laena Velaryon, had also returned to court to present his daughters to the king. And while the princess and her uncle exchanged their grievances about how their shared time had ended, it would be decades before they would be as close as they once were again. Instead Visenya focused on getting more involved with politics and preparing for her future reign. At this point Vi and Otto had been married for nearly 15 years and few things were able to get between them.

So yeah that’s the big ups and downs of these two, obviously their gonna be married for another 33 years so there’s still some other stuff happening, but yeah this is pretty much the many story!! Hope you enjoyed that and let me know if you’d like to know more or have any other questions!

[asoiafandotherbooks]

TWOIAF/Fire & Blood: The Wedding of Rhaena and Aegon

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

We left off with Aenys exiling Maegor after he took a second wife. This won’t be the only controversial marriage during Aenys’s reign.

In non-marriage events, a new castle was being built atop Aegon’s High Hill: “built all in pale red stone, the king’s new seat would be larger and more lavish than Dragonstone, with massive walls and barbicans and towers capable of withstanding any enemy”. The citizens of King’s Landing named it the Red Keep.

In 41 AC, Aenys’ two eldest children were Rhaena (18 years old) and Aegon (15 years old). The two siblings had been close since childhood.  Aegon was lean, tall, handsome, and flirtatious with the ladies. Grand Maester Gawen informed the Citadel that “If the prince is not wed His Grace may soon have a bastard grandchild to contend with.”

Rhaena gave no encouragement to suitors, preferring to spend her days with her siblings, her pets, and Dreamfyre (her dragon). Rhaena’s newest favorite, Alayne Royce, was the daughter of the Lord of Runestone. Alayne was a plump and homely girl but was cherished by Rhaena.

Rhaena loved to fly, at times she took Aegon, other times Alayne, but she mostly flew by herself. At sixteen years of age, Rhaena declared herself a woman grown, “free to fly where I will”. She flew to Harrenhal, Tarth, Runestone, and Gulltown. It was rumored that Rhaena lost her virginity to a lowborn lover on one of these flights. Possible suspects were a hedge knight, a singer, a blacksmith’s son or a village septon. No one seemed to look in Alayne’s direction and she is the most likely suspect.

Eighteen-year-old Rhaena was three years older than her parents when they were wed. Aenys decided it was a perfect time for Rhaena to wed and who better for a husband than her own brother? For some reason, Aenys was surprised at the huge outcry of disgust over the announced betrothal. He seems to not remember that he exiled his brother for taking two wives. And they weren’t even related to Maegor! Why Aenys thought the Faith would be fine with incest when they had a fit over polygamy is a mystery. How can he be so clueless?

The Faith were on a roll. They had successfully forced Aenys to exile Maegor, and now they condemned incestuous marriages as an obscenity. Any child born of an incestuous union would be “abominations in the sight of gods and men”.

Aenys decided to finally grow a spine and refused to break the betrothal. Visenya informed Aenys he had two choices: 1) Wed Rhaenys and Aenys to other people, 2) Mount Quicksilver and burn the Starry Sept down. Aenys did neither.

The wedding was to be held at the Sept of Remembrance, built atop of Rhaenys’ hill, and named in her honor. The day of the wedding the streets were lined with the Warrior’s Sons of the Faith. And no, they weren’t there to congratulate the happy couple. Many lords, knowing it wouldn’t be wise to make an appearance, stayed away from the wedding.

Aenys made the situation worse at the wedding feast by declaring Aegon the new Prince of Dragonstone. The crowd went silent as the attendees all knew Maegor was the Prince of Dragonstone. Visenya left the hall without the king’s leave, mounted Vhagar, and returned to Dragonstone. The legends states when Vhagar passed the moon it turned red as blood. Doubtful but it’s an ominous omen.

Aenys has messed up big time. He’s lost the support of the Faith and the lords. He’s lost the favor of the smallfolk. And he’s turned the two strongest members of his family against him.

Why did Aenys grant his son the title of “Prince of Dragonstone”? At this point, it’s not a hereditary title for the crown prince. Maegor was the first “Prince of Dragonstone”. Maegor’s exile was for five years, not a lifetime. He would eventually return to Westeros – and Dragonstone. And to not inform Visenya before announcing it to the public? Bad move. She is his strongest advisor and he disrespected her – in public! She’s not the type to tolerate such offense.

Most mindboggling of all – why did Aenys think the Faith would accept incest when their outrage over Maegor’s polygamy caused his exile?

Up next, Aenys has made a disaster of his reign. Can he make a comeback?

[glennrheesdaughter]

Maggie was sitting with Daryl as he was helping her with Hershel. Daryl noticed how much she was struggling without Glenn.

He looked up." If it's any conciliation. I know how ya feel." Maggie looked up." You do?" Daryl nodded." Is it Merle?" Maggie asked.

" Nah, My wife." Maggie looked surprised." You're married?" Daryl nodded.''I was." " What was her name?" "Y/n." Daryl answered. " how did you meet her?" Daryl let out a small smile.

"I was twenty-four years old

When I met the woman I would call my own

Twenty-two grand kids now growing old

In that house that her brother bought er

On the summer day when I proposed

I made that wedding ring from dentist gold

And I asked her father, but her daddy said, no

You can't marry my daughter

She and I went on the run

Don't care about religion

I'm gonna marry the woman I love

Down by the Wexford border

She was y/n l/n

And I was Daryl Dixon

She took my name and then we were one

Down by Georgias border

Well, I met her at Guy's in the second world war

And she was working on a soldier's ward

Never had I seen such beauty before

The moment that I saw her

Y/n was my yellow rose

And we got married wearing borrowed clothes

We got eight children now growing old

Five sons and three daughters

She and I went on the run

Don't care about religion

I'm gonna marry the woman I love

Down by Georgias border

She was y/n l/n

And I was Daryl Dixon

She took my name and then we were one

Down by the Georgia border

From the snow white streak in her h/c hair

Over sixty years I've been loving her

Now we're sat by the fire in our old armchairs

You know y/n, I adore ya

From a farm boy born near Alanta town

I never worried about the king and crown

'Cause I found my heart upon the southern ground

There's no difference, I assure ya

She and I went on the run

Don't care about religion

I'm gonna marry the woman I love

Down by the Georgia border

She was y/n l/n

And I was Daryl Dixon

She took my name and then we were one

Down by the Georgia border."

Maggie smiled, but frowned." What happened." Daryl frowned. " We had a cabin, and I had to go on a job. I came back... y/n was on the ground, a bullet in her forehead with a walker feasting on her." Maggie frowned." And ya kids?" Daryl let out a quiet sob." Burned alive, our cabin in flames, nothing I could do. " Maggie hugged him.

" But Merle and I killed him." Maggie looked." Who?" " The bastard who murdered my family. Without Merle, I'm alone."

Maggie looked up." You're not. You got me, Hershel, Judith, Rj, Rick, and everyone else." Maggie looked in realization." Y/n, that's Judith's middle name." Daryl nodded as Hershel whined and Daryl chuckled." Ya, Now you know why I thought of it." Daryl looked." Thanks Maggie."

[soraeia]

Charidynn's Children pt.2

Avelan

The fourth born son and the eldest of the twin children Charidynn had with Third Consort Saya Miyahara. He is husband to Greenhaven's soldier prince, Cecil (@fatestouch). Together they had four legitimate children: Lydia, Cari, Mercury, and Kairede. Avelan is a well-trusted advisor on the handling of Vanystéa's natural resources and is well on his way to becoming part of the Grande Imperial Council. His reputation thus far is spotless. And, thanks to his marriage with Cecil, it is through him that Vanystéa keeps its alliance with Greenhaven in good graces.

Allisae

The second born daughter and the younger of Charidynn's twins with consort Saya. Allisae is formerly known as queen of Namodia thanks to her late husband King Aiden au Namodia, with whom she had two legitimate children, Yukaine and Liliana. Once referred to as "Charidynn's favourite daughter", she is now known as the disgrace of the imperial family for having an affair while married to King Aiden and thus leaving Vanystéa's alliance with Namodia in tatters. The execution of the Vanystéan noble, with whom she had the affair that produced her bastard son Wrenn, was pinned to her name. She also later failed to secure a marriage with Tahariel Elohim (@soulsxng) , an Ahnian noble, presumably due to all the scandal. She is often called the "Whore of Vanystéa." Allisae has not made in an official public appearance in over two decades, confined to the palace by her father's orders.

Nero

Charidynn's fifth son born son from another unknown woman assumed to be from West Vanystéa. He is of marriage age, though has no interest in being married off. Nero instead prefers to write books and plays for his theater, The Empyrean. Most of them consist of dead or dying heroines.

Riliane

Charidynn's third daughter, born to Fourth Consort Gwynndolyn Kingsley de Faetum. She is unmarried with no children, and currently in search for a match to benefit her family. Quiet, reserved, and dubbed "deadly" by those at court because....well...she has scared off most of her potential matches---she has yet to find any of them worthy. She is the court seer, often helping her father look into political happenings in the future.

[queens-an-tings]

Lady Jane Grey was de facto monarch of England for 9 days in July 1553 and, following a period of imprisonment, executed the following year. She had been found guilty of having signed a number of documents as “Jane the Queen”. She was beheaded in the Tower of London in February 1554 on the charge of treason.

For more info, Helen Castor’s documentary ‘England’s Forgotten Queen: The Life And Death Of Lady Jane Grey’ is worth a watch. For information about a painting which famously - and inaccurately - portrays the execution of Lady Jane Grey, see here.

I wrote the following summary using the notes I made from Castor’s programme, describing how and why Edward VI chose Jane to be his successor.

On his deathbed, the young Edward VI faced a situation unprecedented in the history of the English monarchy: the first seven heirs in line to the throne were female. His late father, Henry VIII, had abhorred the notion of a woman ruling the realm and Edward was of the same opinion. However, as time progressed, it became increasingly evident that he would not live long enough to produce male issue himself (crowned at the age of 9, after a prolonged illness Edward VI was to die before he reached 16). In the weeks prior to his death, Edward made an alteration to an earlier hand-written device he’d conceived concerning the succession to the throne - one which would have major repercussions and change the course of history. He added the name of Lady Jane Grey (without her knowledge) to be his successor.

Jane’s lineage to the crown was as great grand-daughter of Henry VII on her mother’s side. Henry’s daughter Mary had been the grandmother of Jane’s mother, Frances and her aunt, Eleanor. Edward was keen to select Jane as his future heir as she was, like him, staunchly Protestant and, being young and healthy, probably likely to produce heirs (hopefully of the male variety!). But Jane was far from first in line. The eldest natural heir was Mary, followed by Elizabeth, but at the time both were technically regarded as illegitimate. (After the execution of Anne Boleyn, their father, Henry VIII, had them both declared ‘bastards’ with the passing of the Second Succession to the Crown Act of 1536.) Third in line was Mary Queen of Scots (doubly undesirable in Edward’s eyes as head of the English monarchy as she was Catholic as well as female) and then Frances (Eleanor had died six year earlier in 1547). The remaining female heirs were Frances’s three daughters: Jane, Katherine and Mary.

Edward’s original draft of the succession had specifically stipulated Jane’s male heirs as those next in line to the throne, and not Jane herself, but as his health deteriorated and he edged closer towards death he altered the document by adding Jane’s name too. This is why the succession neatly skipped Frances, who would have qualified as the nearest heir who was both legitimate and Protestant. Indeed, when Jane made her first public appearance as queen, the crowd were shocked to see her mother, superior in her claim to the throne, carrying Jane’s train and this in itself caused stirrings of disquiet.

It’s worth noting here that although the document is in Edward’s handwriting and was most likely an accurate expression of his wishes, there is much speculation as to what extent this document was influenced by Edward’s principal adviser, the politician John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland. Indeed, Dudley had already speedily arranged a marriage between Jane and his 15 year old son Guildford, with the intention of ruling by proxy via the young couple. What the Duke did not know at the time was that Jane, on becoming queen, would refuse to make Guildford king. Moreover, his biggest miscalculation was thinking that Mary’s bid for her rightful royal inheritance would conclude in failure.

[sebeth]

My 2nd Least-Favorite Targaryen: Daemon Blackyfyre

Welcome back to my ranking of least favorite to most favorite Targaryens! Once again, the rankings aren’t based on heroes or villains – only my personal enjoyment of the character. Rhaegar Targaryen had the “honor” of being the Targaryen I despise above all others. Coming in at #2 is Daemon “Blackfyre” Waters-Targaryen.

A quick bio of Daemon:

·         Daena the Defiant is imprisoned in the Maidenvault by Baelor the Blessed. Aegon the Unworthy pays her a visit and Daemon is born nine months later.

·         Aegon the Unworthy weds Narys and becomes King of Westeros. His firstborn with Narys is a son named Daeron. They also have a daughter named Daenerys.

·         Aegon is lecherous slime and has many illegitimate children by a variety of women. The most famous of the children are Daemon. Aegor “Bittersteel” Rivers, Bryden “Bloodraven” Rivers, and Shiera Seastar.

·         Daeron and Daenerys are married to a Prince and Princess of Dorne to seal the peace with Dorne.

·         Daemon continues to be Aegon’s favorite child. Aegon gives Daemon the Blackfyre sword, a primary symbol of House Targaryen.

·         Daemon pouts because he wasn’t allowed to wed Daenerys. He ends up married to Rohanne of Tyrosh. I am unsure if it was an arranged marriage or if he had romantic feelings towards her and proposed marriage. They have around 10 children.

·         Aegon dies but not before legitimizing his bastards on his deathbed.

·         In the aftermath of Aegon’s death, Daeron (now king of Westeros) grants Daemon a castle and lands.

The preliminaries are done, let’s get to the meat of the story. Well, as much as we can, considering we only the information we have comes from second-hand sources.

King Daeron would later be known as “the Good” and we see the first indications of his decency in his interactions with his siblings. Aegon the Unworthy, Daeron’s father, legitimized his bastards for no other reason than to cause trouble for Daeron.

How does Daeron react to this? Does he overrule the legitimization of the bastards? Does he exile the lot from Westeros? Does he even demand the return of the Blackfyre sword? No, no, and no. He grants castles and lands (Daemon) and high positions at court (Bryden).

How does Daemon respond to this? Let’s rebel and overrule the rightful heir to the throne!

Great guy, this Daemon. And yes, I’m aware multiple characters wax poetic over Daemon’s awesomeness but it’s the “Rhaegar effect” – charismatic exterior, rotten interior.

If we examine Daemon’s justifications for his rebellion, we have:

1.       Daddy loved me best.

2.       I didn’t get to marry Daenerys

3.       I have a sword!

4.       Daeron’s married to a Dornish woman and their children are half-Dornish.

In summary, Daemon feels he should be a king due to nepotism, a broken heart/not getting his way, and racism plus the delusion that having a sword qualifies an individual for kingship.

Daemon’s partners in crime were his half-brother Aegor “Bittersteel” Rivers and Quenton “Fireball” Ball. Bittersteel and Fireball’s motivations to rebel were equally pathetic: Aegor was mad that Daddy Aegon moved onto other women and Fireball was mad that he wasn’t named to the Kingsguard.

Yep, those are the grand motivations for the rebellion. Most people would simply get drunk together and complain over Aegon being the Worst! but they decided to rebel against Daeron because…reasons.

The terrible trio scour Westeros and find malcontents to join their cause and wage war against Daeron. Daeron’s forces, including Bloodraven, counterattack leading to a climatic battle that results in the death of Daemon and two of his sons.

Bittersteel and many others were exiled in the aftermath of the first Blackfyre rebellion. Bittersteel and company would form the Golden Company and launch multiple rebellions against the rightful Targaryen kings.

I had a hard time choosing between Rhaegar and Daemon as my most hated Targaryen as they are very similar characters- both suffer from delusions of grandeur that resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocents.  

Rhaegar took the nod because the idiot didn’t seem to realize there would be massive repercussions to his actions while Daeman and company clearly knew they were starting a war.

As for the aftermath of Rhaegar and Daemon’s actions: Rhaegar’s only had two rounds of repercussions – Robert’s Rebellion and the second will be Dany’s arrival in Westeros.

Daemon’s rebellion is the gift that keeps on giving: Westeros has had 5/6 Blackfyre rebellions if the Peake Uprising and the War of the Ninepenny Kings. And we need to add Young Griff/the Golden Company’s return to Westeros to the rebellions.

A staggering amount of people have died because a delusional pretty boy thought owning a sword should make him a king.

A final thought: I’m amazed at the number of people who are vehemently anti-Team Green but are avidly pro-Daemon Blackfyre. Aren’t they two sides of the same coin? An individual with sketchy claims attempts to usurp the throne from the rightful heir? And unlike in Rhaenerya’s case (where you could make an argument that her bastards count as treason against the throne), Daeron had done absolutely nothing wrong and would go down in history as “the Good”!

[miraculoustrashblogger]

Just finished reading Murder of Mages by Marshall Ryan Maresca (book 2 of the Maradaine Saga, book 1 of the Maradaine Constabulary collection)

Second time reading this book, and so many of the plothooks i didn't grasp the first time fell into place here.

Spoilers ahead, you've been warned.

Still love my boys Evoy and Minox. And i remember why i started shipping Minox and Joshea. Minox being a Sherlock clone means he is also Autistic Ace coded, socially awkward but brilliant at pattern recognition and solving puzzles. Evoy even more so, being a shut-in too. Minox being the one person his cousin Evoy talks to just tears me apart. No one gets how deep into the red strings Evoy is, that its not madness of the hallucinatory variety, but that he is hyperfocused on these trails of a conspiracy in Maradaine and forgets to take care of his own needs in the process. Reading this the second time, hearing the pieces he is learning about and puzzling out, I can see it. The Grand Ten, the Brotherhood of Nine, missing women and children, etc. I know a lot of these pieces now and see that Evoy is laying groundwork of foreshadowing. Minox gets it, he sees some of the same pieces. He knows Evoy's work is digging up ugly and dangerous schemes beneath the city.

Minox being an uncircled, untrained mage, in a constabulary family that knows but doesnt talk about it. And Joshea being from a hyper-masculine military family that has no idea he is a mage. Both are such queer coded stories. The gay son that everyone knows is gay, and its the elephant in the room. The closeted gay son who is desperately hiding the truth from his father and brothers. And then Joshea's family being butchers now and (insert meat jokes here). Its just too easy 😂

Satrine. Satrine. Spitfire Satrine "Tricky" Rainey. Plucked from her life as a street kid and turned into a spy in the Waish nobility, still ready to brawl at a moment's notice. Her husband in his vegetative state. Her teenage daughters. Desperate to provide for them, when the only skills she has were a position she retired from 15 years ago, in a field she can't go back into. So she takes up the mantle her husband had, or tries anyways. Constabulary. Detective work. She's got the mind and skills for it. She's fast and eager to chase down fleeing criminals, and definitely too quick to beat them into submission. She's angry and could probably do with a therapist tbh. Its a bit refreshing to see a woman get to be angry and violent and not be forced into some ideal of decorum or "ladylike"-ness, and she's the first to break the nose of anyone who tries.

She respects Minox. She sees his intelligence and his eccentricities. She can keep up with him. She doesn't call him Jinx like everyone else, and he doesn't call her Tricky like everyone else. He sees her capability and fire and isn't bothered by the fact that she's the only woman inspector in the city, or that she had to forge her papers to get this position. And she doesn't care that he's a mage. He's still bothered when she uses his first name though- boy is nothing if not an adherent to manners!

Corrie. My girl Corrie. First in line to call her brother Minox on his shit. Her and Satrine sizing each other up in their first meeting by cussing up a storm was *chefs kiss*. Love her so much

Rian and Caribet. Satrine's daughters. Rian being into the boy, fine, sure, glad she saw the light that he was a shitter. Knowing what I know about her now? Even worse, yeah, no wonder Satrine lost her mind when she saw them on a date. Rian, girl, you got better things coming your way, and she's actually your age, unlike him ;) Caribet is such a sweet girl, just trying to hold her family together as her mom and sister fight and her dad is a vegetable.

Mirrell and Kellman. These two oafs. Idiots and bastards, but ready to crack the heads of their fellow (corrupt) officers given the chance too, and eventually overlooking Satrine's forgeries to save Minox. Theyre incompetent and sexist and racist (look, ACAB, but i love a good detective procedural story, so sue me), and yet. Kellman is quiet and indifferent, he does mean well but I know from later books he is trouble. Mirrell is upfront about his assholery, but even though he verbally is rude to Minox and Satrine, he knows they are good at their jobs and "have hearts of Green and Red". He knows they have the calling to be inspectors. I'm still glad Satrine broke his nose for being a jackass.

Rereading Thorn of Dentonhill, there was a lot of groundwork laid, but this one laid almost as much! Gods i love these books. They just get better and better as the story progresses.

Thats all for now, onto rereading Holver Alley Crew next week!

[chaoticallywriting]

A Merciful King ☼ Epilogue

Pairing: Aegon Targaryen x Reader

Warnings: talk of death, blood, torture, childbirth

Word Count: 5.6k

A/N: It has been exactly a month and fourteen days since I posted the first chapter to this series (on my old account). I had no clue it would go this far or that so many would love it, I'm so used to my writing not being received at all or only being received by very few. The response I've gotten for this story is overwhelming and honestly I love all of you guys for the support you've given me. Despite being ready for a new story I think I'll always have a soft spot for amk and I know I'll miss this series. On a story note, the second to last like 'scene' is both of their povs, mainly readers but I decided to mesh their thoughts in certain bits. I also took inspiration for the crown from jesus because despite not being religious I like the flare of it.

Synopsis: The war is over, the blacks have lost, and as Rhaenrya’s daughter it is your duty to marry a green to secure your younger brothers safety. If only Aemond paid attention to you like his brother does.    

Taglist, if you asked to be tagged and you aren't on the list it's because it wouldn't let me add you so I just got rid of your name. It only lets me tag 50 people so I'm sorry!: @mirandastuckinthe80s @b1gb3anz @daenerysdracarys @wondergal2001 @flavorofsalt @daddysfavoritesexkitten @zillahvathek @itsametaphorbriansblog @elleclairez @stargaryenx @tired-ninfa @caramelcandescence @viscardiac @moonxhunt @tisthekatseason @bajadotcom @xxlilyxx90 @ohitsthemaster @justasmallbean @thefloatingpickle @lawlerek @miqaelababa @arcielee @watermel0nsugarhigh @lovecleastrange @lyannesworld @imakeangelscry @aloneatpeace @xinyourdreamsx @cl-0-vr @borikenlove @shion-ah @widemiffyhappy @aegonsgf @bwormie @bellameshipper @evienorville @mandiiblanche @hydrationqueensworld @shiranai-atsune @hiatuswhore @giulia2372 @venice-bish @malfoytargaryen @crudemoon @crispmarshmallow @trifoliumviridi @wooya1224

Previously

Aegon Targaryen dutifully stays by your side while you recover. He doesn’t move from the rather uncomfortable chair, nor does his hand leave yours. Unfortunately, none of the lords nor guards were able to locate his brother, only found two different trails of blood. One leading from a study to the ballroom and the other leading from the same study to where Aemonds bastard son, Jaerion, was sleeping.

He has already told his mother his decision, that when you wake up he will marry you. She only nods, face solemn, as she goes back to mourning her favorite son. He’s not dead, that much is obvious by Vhagar’s behavior, but he is gone. The preparations have already begun, he’s decided the ceremony will be in the Grand Sept and a celebration will be held in the gardens. He understands why you might have an aversion to the ballroom.

Aegon tells you all of this while you sleep, there are only a few times you wake up from your milk of the poppy induced slumber and all you speak is gibberish. You ask for your handmaid Lila, you keep mumbling her name, but unfortunately no one can find her. 

Your marriage has been annulled, Aegon made sure of it during one of the most recent small council meetings (it's the only time he leaves your side). The small folk had shown so much outrage at learning that their favorite princess had been hurt by her own husband. 

Many began to gossip that something seemed amiss that day during the festival, that he seemed too tense and neither of you seemed to even notice each other's presence. This fairy tale that they were spoon fed was a lie, and all of Flea Bottom knows that the reason children are no longer dying of starvation is thanks to you. 

He tasks his mother and daughter to have your wedding dress made, the royal tailors already have your measurements so that should be easy. Giving them this task helps ease his daughter's anxiety, he even asks her to see if the boys would like to help. His only request is that the dress did not have any green on it, much to his mothers dismay. Aegon knows how much you’ve grown to hate the color, and he wants this to be a memorable and lovely day. 

“I love you,” he whispers, you groan in response.

Upon fully waking up, Aegon is filled with something he has not felt since Jaehaerys’s murder. You tell him and Alicent everything, it’s hard to ignore the face she makes when you mention stabbing Aemond, but you simply remind them both of what Alys has done. 

He wants to send out search parties all throughout the free cities, to put her head on a spike, and you keep quiet throughout his raging, not minding the idea. It is Alicent that shoots him down and reminds him of how that may make the leaders of said cities believe he is trying to attack them. 

So instead, search parties are sent all throughout Westeros (once again) looking for your handmaiden. Upon waking up, one of the first things you did was ask for Lila, Aegon had foolishly believed that maybe the two of you harbored a friendship, so imagine his surprise to find out the truth.

He feels the same outrage you do, those handmaidens were picked by him and his mother, and yet one was the reason for all of this? A taster is hired, all your meals are tested before being brought to you, and all of your handmaidens have been swapped.

“What kind of flowers?” he asks you one day, leaning on his hand that’s propped up by his elbow. He’s laying at the end of your bed, watching you sip on the broth the maesters brought you. ‘It has healing properties’ they said, but the face you keep making leads him to believe it’s just a new form of torture for you. Nevertheless, you drink all of it, every day since waking up you've drank and everyday you comment on how rancid it is. 

“Dragons breath, and black lotus’s. They’ll perfectly display our house colors,” you set the empty mug aside and reach out for him. Aegon eagerly moves from his position at the end of the bed to lay beside you, pulling you into his arms and kissing the top of your head. 

He’s more at ease now that he doesn’t have to hide his love for you, some of that possessiveness and jealousy has waned away. Aegon is finally being granted his wish of calling you his, he just wishes so much tragedy hadn’t taken place to get here. 

“I want them filling the Sept,” you say, arms wrapping around his waist. Your eyes seem elsewhere, perhaps dreaming of the upcoming day. He’s thought about it with great detail and finds himself wistfully imagining the rest of his life with you. 

It makes Aegon feel like a silly child, like he needs to be scolded and reminded he cannot have such wonderful things. Yet you are in his arms, agreeing to marry him. When you woke up, and he told you the news, there was no fighting, no resentment or anger, only a sigh of relief. 

“Would you want a valyrian ceremony?” He knows there will need to be one following the faith of the seven, the lords and ladies will not approve of their marriage if they don’t. But perhaps, if you want, there can be another one, a more intimate one.

It’s silent for a few beats, your expression contemplative and lips pursed. “No,” you run your fingers up and down his chest, your eyes almost glazed over as you look at Rhaenyra’s bassinet. “I do not want to shed any more blood for a long time.” 

Part of Aegon feels relieved, if you had said yes he would do it, but the idea of seeing you bleed again (it’s only been a month) terrifies him. That night you laid limp in his arms as the Maesters got to work, they did the best they could while still in the ballroom. Maester Orwell had said they must act fast, that moving you to a private room would have to wait or else you would perish from blood loss. 

Aegon’s hands had been stained red for days, Alicents too. He had held his hand on top of the wound with his mother, trying to help in any way. Some courtiers stayed to watch, while others ran in disgust when they saw how much blood was smeared all over you. Most of the men were gone by that point, having ran out to try to secure themselves a seat on the small council. 

He didn’t realize just how much blood was on him until two guards slowly lifted you onto a wooden board and gently carried you to your chambers. He was knelt in a large puddle, as was his mother, and Aegon had held you for a long period of time. You were smeared all over him, staining his clothes, his hands, some had even gotten on his face.

The poor king was in shock, sat staring at the massive puddle, reflection gazing back at him as tears filled his eyes. You had almost died, the maesters even told them there was a chance you would die within the first few days of recovery. They talked about loss of blood, bed fever or even infection. Somehow you prevailed, and Aegon doesn’t know who or what to thank for such a miraculous thing. 

“I love you,” you murmur, fingers stilling as your gaze shifts to look into his eyes. His face softens, mind being pulled away from the thoughts that plague his mind late into the night, and brings his lips down onto yours. The kiss is chaste, it’s nothing like how he normally kisses you, but perhaps a near-death experience softens a man. 

“I love you too.” 

You looked radiant, the dress was made of the finest white silks, it was form fitting and had gauzy sleeves and a cape that trailed behind you. There’s little silver dragons on your sleeves and cape, along with a metal belt that looks like a dragon taking flight around your waist. You looked like the perfect Targaryen bride. 

It’s three days after your wedding when the news reaches the both of you about Lila. She was found hiding in a pleasure house in Flea Bottom, apparently trying to make enough money to find safe passage to Pentos. The guards drag her into the throne room while Aegon sits upon the iron throne with his crown nestled perfectly upon his head.

You stand beside the throne in a dress made of black and red fabrics with gold detailing and a valyrian steel circlet that matches Aegon the Conqueror's crown. He had ordered it to be made three days before your wedding and placed it upon your head himself after the two of you had kissed.

The guards shove her onto the floor at the bottom of the steps, hands on their swords as they watch her every move. Aegon wants to order her death immediately, his chest rises and falls as he takes in the traitorous woman who helped kill his son, who tried to kill you. 

Surprisingly, she does not beg, nor does she weep or even look a little scared. Her eyes stay set on you, a hardened expression on her features as she never wavers. Gone is the girl you described her as, and in her stead sits a woman who looks ready to try to finish the job. 

“Why?” Is all you say, voice shaking with barely contained rage. Your hands are clasped together, tightly clenching your fingers as you take her in. All Aegon sees is blood that needs to be shed. He finds himself itching to grab his sword and do it himself, to slice her to bits that he will later feed to Sunfyre. 

“Your stepfather killed my father and little brothers in the war, there wasn’t even anything to bury once he was done with them. My mother followed soon after by her own hand.” Lila grits teeth, chest raising and falling. Her hands have been chained, as have her ankles, but still she yanks on the chains as if she believes herself strong enough to break them. “Alys offered revenge, I was happy to accept.” 

He leans forward, practically seething now. No one else is in the room besides the sworn guards, who happen to be Ser Criston and Ser Arryk. His mother stands on the opposite side of the throne, with Otto beside her. His words will never leave this room, he’s sure of it. “So you killed my son?!” 

Alicent jumps at the volume of his voice, hand clutching her chest, and Otto sighs. His wrinkled hand rubs his forehead, probably disappointed in him yet again. You on the other hand, stay with your back straightened, your hands reddened from irritation as you glare at this woman. You told him how you thought she was a friend, he cannot imagine how you must feel. 

“I believe it was Daemon Targaryen himself who once believed it was okay to seek revenge for the killing of a child, my youngest brother was only four and ten, just like yours was.” Lila briefly looks at him, that same barely contained rage in her eyes, before looking back at you. “A son for a son, Alys called it. I think my mother would have appreciated me seeking what little vengea-” 

You storm over to her, snatching her by her chin and roughly pulling her face up to look into your eyes. Aegon stood, ready to defend you, as he just barely heard your words. 

“Death would be too kind a sentence,” you spit out, “I shall have you tortured in the dungeons for as many years as we can keep you alive, perhaps I might stop by to watch occasionally.”

You shove her to the floor, body shaking as you clench your fists. Aegon comes down to stand beside you, a hand on your shoulder to say ‘I’m here, I understand.’ 

Ser Criston looks to him for confirmation, he seems astonished by the sentence, but all Aegon does is nod. Why would he go against your command when it is you she wrought the most pain against. Aegon grieves his son, misses him too, but Lila betrayed you the most. He won’t take choices from you ever again. 

Criston and Arryk pick her up, beginning to drag her away when she calls out, “you are a wicked beast! I wish I had managed to kill you!” 

He’s astonished by your response, he wants to grab your cheeks and pull you into a kiss when you confidently reply “you’re right, I am a dragon after all, and it will take more than your puny poison to kill me.” 

Gods, he loves you. 

He had danced with you all night, not a drop of wine was needed after the ceremony, his lips had hardly left yours. All your favorite foods were served, songs you both loved strummed out by the bards. You even picked up Jaehaera and brought her into dance with you two at one point. He had waved Aegon and Viserys over, so they could join too. Aegon never thought he’d have such a joyous wedding, let alone a little family that loved him like this.

Aelar is named heir while you are still a sweaty mess in your birthing bed. His older sisters Jaehaera, Rhaenyra and Saera all crawl onto the bed to get a peek at their little brother, excited giggles filling the room. He lets Otto announce to the kingdom that Aelar is born, he can’t bear to be away from you right now. Not when you're glowing like this, not with his son in your arms. A healthy baby boy who is alive. 

Aegon III and Viserys visit later, both boys having been training in the yard when the news broke out. The labor had been quick, so had Saera’s thank goodness. They ask to pick the egg out themselves and the two older girls all but demand to come with, Aegon watches as you smile at their childish bickering, little Aelar still in your arms. 

“Would you like to hold him?” You ask, voice low enough that the kids don’t notice. Honestly, Aegon is scared too. He had practically snatched Saera out of your arms when she was born, so excited for another child to spoil, but Aelar is smaller and the past still haunts the both of you. 

He nods, heart pounding as you slowly shift him into his arms, the second yours are free Saera climbs into them. She’s only just turned one, her brain probably has no clue what’s going on. The both of you had decided to wait for another child after Rhaenyra, the trauma left behind was too fresh. Both of you were scared that another birth would take you, or that you would perhaps deal with another stillborn. 

By now, Rhaenyra is five and an absolute spitfire, she constantly talks and always wants snuggles from her father before bedtime. It was due to her that Saera was born, she had begged for a little sibling despite Jaehaera telling her ‘they can be annoying sometimes’. Rhaenyra had thrown a pillow at her in response and stomped her little foot, lips pouting as she stared up at him. 

That night he had talked with you, and you agreed to stop drinking moon tea. Both of you were scared, but the pressure for an heir was ever present, and enough time had passed. The wound was still there, just like the scar on your stomach, but it had faded with time. Both of you hardly thought about Lucerys II anymore. 

Aelar squirms in his arms, tiny feet slowly kicking in the air, he’s all squishy and red like newborns are, but Aegon thinks he’s perfect. You lean your head against his shoulder, arms wrapped around Saera who gently tugs at your hair and stares at your son. This, him, he’s perfect. Suddenly Aegon forgets about the stress, the pressure, the desire to throw his crown into a crowd and walk away. 

Perhaps now life will be a little easier, perhaps the work of a king will be worth it when he thinks of how one day Aelar will inherit it. 

“I love him,” he whispers. By now, all four of the kids have run off with guards trailing after them, most likely to pick out an egg together. His gaze shifts to yours, eyes meeting in a loving stare. “Just like I love you.” 

“I lo-” Saera shrieks, hands roughly grabbing your cheeks as she surges forward. The both of you laugh at her silly antics.

The morning of his wedding, Otto had tried to discuss matters regarding the realm, he had all but tried to shoo him away. Unfortunately, his grandfather is a stubborn man. “There is also the matter of your… Assassins.” 

Aegon stills, telling all the servants shuffling about his chambers to leave as he finally faces his grandfather. Of course, nothing gets past this man. “Can I not have one happy day? One without business or whatever dreadful thing you're about to tell me.” 

“I have not told your mother about the horde of mercenaries you have hired to kill your brother, but I do want to remind you to restrain yourself. Even if another man kills him, since you were the one that paid for it, you would still be a Kin slayer.” 

Aegon shrugs, hands running through his cropped hair as he eyes the decanter left on his dresser. “I do not care, besides the last update I received is them being run out of Pentos. None of them have found where the roaches are now hiding.” 

Just one glass, he thinks while pouring himself a chalice full. You would need this too if you were stuck talking to Otto. “Seems the lords there were fond of Daemon Targaryen, they have not taken lightly to the news of his stepdaughter being harmed. Dorne also kicked them out for killing a child, I believe they didn’t fare well in Essos either.” Aegon takes a swig, leaning against the dresser as he glares at his grandfather, “either my mercenaries kill them or starvation will finally hit. They must have run out of money by now.” 

“Saera claimed Vhagar,” you say one evening, you're pregnant with your fifth child by now. Aegon stills, hands full of important documents that he’s drowning in. The words circle through his mind, trying to think of what to say as realization sets in. “The dragon keepers were surprised, seeing as she is only four and….” 

You're wringing your hands out, feet propped up by a stool, while you sit in your armchair. He wonders if you’ve told his mother, does she know? Should he go check on her? She’s been so focused on Helaena’s recovery, a new-found confidence in her daughter surging within her ever since Helaena has finally started leaving her room. Should he be the one to ruin that happiness for her? He’s ruined everything else, so it wouldn’t be anything new. 

“Oh,” is all he says, his throat is suddenly so dry. Aegon thinks to pour himself another glass of wine but for some reason he can’t unclench his hands, the papers within them crinkle, some rip. The stress did not leave upon Aelar’s birth, the weight on his shoulders has only grown. Now he wants to leave a perfect kingdom for him, and no matter what it seems he can’t. 

You slowly pull yourself from your chair, letting out a low groan as you waddle over to him. You’ve complained recently of your feet aching, it’s late into your pregnancy and any day you may go into labor. He wonders if it’ll be another boy like Rhaegar or if they’ll have another girl. He doesn’t know which he wants more. 

You stand in front of his desk, gentle hands on top of his as you slowly peel his fingers back. He gulps, staring at your hands, once stained red with your own blood. There are scars on both of them, Rhaenyra asked you about them recently.

Aegon had stilled at the dinner table, a dark look coming over his face as he recalls that horrid night. But you, ever the smart woman that he loves, just smiled and said, “sometimes a mother must make sacrifices.” 

It had been vague enough to confuse her and keep her from pressing for more information. Jaehaera though had stopped eating as well, eyes on your hands as she too recalled that night. Her name day has never been the same, every year she thinks of you in that puddle. 

“It was most likely peaceful” you say, pulling him out of his thoughts. Aegon knows you still despise him and while he too hates his brother for what he did At this moment he realizes what this means. His brother is dead. The boy he used to tease as a child, the one who covered for him when he would run off to Flea Bottom. The little kid he used to steal food from. He’s dead, and Aegon doesn’t even know how. Some time passes before you kiss his forehead and head to bed. Aegon finds himself slowly standing up, deciding to join you when his hand slips, papers sprawling across the floor.

He lets out an annoyed huff before bending down to pick them up, his hand sifts through the pile, bunching them in one hand while the other grabs the rest. His hands grasp onto something unfamiliar, brows furrowing when he finds a letter amongst the stack. 

Aegon shoves the unimportant (but actually very important) papers onto the desk before ripping open the letter, the letter is short, it’s signed ‘Nightshade’. His heart drops. 

“It’s done, proof is enclosed. 

~ Nightshade” 

Aegon digs inside the envelope, producing two strands of silver hair and one black. 

“You would still be a Kin slayer.” 

Aegon cannot bear to speak after that, he can’t even respond when you sleepily say you love him. The stunned man only nods in response. 

The cake served was a honey cake, he thinks, no he knows because that is your favorite cake. It was honey and your hair was pinned back, silver dragon pins found throughout your hair. You looked stunning that day. 

Everyone has caught on, the king is different, he’s quick to temper, erratic, stressed. He’s constantly seeking you out, so he can calm down, hands shaking and crown askew. Aemma lays in her cradle as you hold him. Aegon won’t say why, he can’t seem to fathom telling you what he’s done. 

“It’s too much” he sobs one day, hands clenching your dress as you hug him. “It’s too heavy!” 

You frown, pulling away and cupping his red cheeks, you look concerned, scared. Aegon can’t blame you, he’d be scared if this was you. “My love, talk to me, please. What is too heavy?” 

He chokes on his sobs, head resting on your chest. You take off his crown, throw it onto the bed and rub his back. “This feeling, I did it! I did it and I can’t take it back!” 

“You must tell me what this feeling is, so I can help you, maybe it won’t feel so heavy if you tell me.” 

Aegon pulls you closer until your body is flush against his, “I forgot she was still employed by me, everything was going so good, and she hadn’t found him in years s-so-” he sniffles, body shaking, “I forgot.” 

You nod along, one hand playing with his hair in a way that you know soothes him. “My last assassin killed Aemond, she killed his whole family.” 

He whispers the words, scared somehow the walls will hear and scream it to the whole realm. ‘Aegon killed his brother!’ They would screech, ‘he’s a kinslayer!’ 

Your ministrations stop, body suddenly so still as you take in his words. He’s scared you’ll scold him, reject him, show him the disgust he knows he feels for himself. Instead, you pull his face away from your chest, despite his protests, and look into his eyes. He doesn’t find any of those things, only sorrow and concern. 

“You forgot?” 

He nods. 

“Then you did not mean it, and therefore it was not you.” 

It's shitty reasoning, but he’ll take whatever you give him. He launches himself back into your arms. By now, the front of your dress is soaked, but neither of you comment on it. 

“I love you, I love you, I love you,” he repeats like a mantra. 

“And I, you” you murmur, kissing the top of his head. 

He can’t remember what kind of flowers were draped throughout the Sept, nor can he seem to remember the necklace you wore, despite it being a gift from him. Aegon can’t remember if you sat on his left or right, and he knows he used to remember that. 

“I want to talk to you,” you start. Aegon is laying in bed, boots kicked off and only in his small clothes. Lately there have been bags under his eyes, he’s lost weight and despite your talk a few weeks ago he still seems on edge. You’ve sat in on many of the small council meetings and noticed how detached Aegon has become. Many of the members scoff when they must repeat themselves. You're scared. 

Aegon pats the spot beside him, you crawl onto it but stay on your knees, a hand resting on his thigh as you gaze at him with concern. “What of?”

Even his tone sounds tired. Your hands reach up to cup his cheeks, “I have an idea, but you must hear it out before you make any comments.” 

“If this is about that new thing you heard the ladies gossip about, I will not let it anywhere near my as-” 

You chuckle, shaking your head. “I want you to abdicate.” 

It’s silent, he looks confused, the only sound in the room is the crackling fire. You had moved Aemma to the nursery when you noticed how tired he seemed, best let him get as much rest as possible. “The stress is destroying you and-” you scoot forward, forehead pressing against his, “I can’t keep watching as you fall apart. I just want to see you happy again.” 

“Aelar is too young,” Aegon concludes, brows still furrowed. 

You chew on your lip before pulling away from him, hands dropping into your lap. You wring them out as you look down at them, the words that leave you shock him. “I know, but you have me, I could do it for you until Aelar is old enough.” 

“That’s unheard of,” he leans against the pillows, watching you nervously fiddle with your hands. You sigh, shoulders slumping as you look up at him through your lashes. 

“Yes, but not impossible. If I take over, you could relax, be with the kids more, take a deep breath. At this rate, if you keep going you’ll die from the stress alone.” You lean forward, leaning against your hands that are now flat against the bed. “I do not wish to lose you, and the kids are worried about you.” 

He gulps, even after so long such words still seem foreign to him. Every time his children tackle him or excitedly shriek at his presence he looks around for what is so interesting, it’s always him though. He doesn’t know how, but they love him, so do you, so do you his nephews. Even Alicent is gentle with him now. He’s taking on so much to keep you from it and yet you're sitting here asking for the stress, the burden, to help him. 

The small council would not like that, nor would Otto, and probably not his mom. The kingdom might be confused by it, but they do love you. Having you on the throne does not change the succession either, it would still fall to Aelar, so there would be nothing to worry about in that regard. 

“Let me be queen, so you may be the father you wish to be,” you say it so sincerely, so earnestly. How can Aegon say no to that? He hardly ever says no to you, he can’t start now. 

“You love me?” He asks, it’s the first time he’s had to ask in years, but this decision involves all the trust in the world. He needs reassurance. 

You nod, a smile on your beautiful lips as you sit back down, “I do, so much.”

You try not to remember your first wedding, the day was somber and against your will. None of it had been planned by you, and you had to keep from crying at the altar. But your wedding to Aegon? He made sure you helped plan it and when the day arrived everything fell together so perfectly. For a moment you forgot all your pain, all your heartache. That wedding you remember vividly, even as the years pass by. 

The dress they fit you in has valyrian steel shoulder pads and a belt. It’s all black with red satin cuffs at your wrists. The style of it reminds you of the dress you wore the day you almost died, except this one has silver dragons embroidered on the skirt. Your hair is twisted into intricate and regal braids and a silver ruby necklace is draped across your neck with matching earrings. 

The coronation will be in the throne room, and after you will give a speech to the small folk in front of the Red Keep. Many were shocked by the news that Aegon was stepping down, none more surprised than your good mother. Her lips had been pursed while she picked at her fingernails until they bled. 

You later found that she felt all her hard work and sacrifice over the years had been for not. Despite rejecting Aegon’s pleas as a child and making him marry Helaena, here you stood happily married to her eldest son. Despite starting a war to put him on the throne, here you stood, about to be crowned queen of the seven kingdoms. 

You think against telling her that none of this would have happened if she had just let the two of you marry, it would only upset her further. Upon hearing about Vhagar she had been beside herself. Helaena had stood awkwardly, not quite sure what to do, as she herself was not fully present yet. Her mind was still elsewhere most days. 

“Are you ready?” Aegon asks, he had requested to be the one to give you the crown and walk you to the throne. It felt right to have him be the one to hand it over to you, to tell the world he approves of this decision, that he sees you as the true ruler of the seven kingdoms. You take his hand, letting out a shaky sigh before nodding. 

“Yes.” 

You catch one last glimpse of yourself in the mirror before walking away. The sight shocks you, the woman staring back looks eerily similar to your mother. You wonder what she would make of the life you’ve lived since she passed. You still think of her often, thoughts consumed on if she’d be disappointed or not. 

The coronation is a blur. Aegon walks you to the iron throne after a guard announces your arrival. Everyone turns and watches you walk up the steps. You do not sit immediately, Aegon says his speech which you hardly hear, the ringing in your ears taking precedence over his words. In the crowd you see your children, up at the front and grinning from ear to ear. 

Jaehaera holds Aemma and Rhaenyra holds Rhaegar. Saera and Aelar are standing in front of them, fidgeting as their little bodies try their best to stay still. Your brothers stand behind your girls, shoulders back and faces proud. Neither remember what your mother looks like, you wonder if they see her in you as Alicent does. Part of you hopes they do. 

Aegon grabs the crown from the velvet cushion it was sat upon. He had a new one made for you, it’s the valyrian circlet he had made for your wedding, except he has added thorns to it, the way they are shaped almost looks like a dragons nest with rubies embedded to look like the eggs. They seem sharp enough to harm, maim even, as the thorns curl around one another. 

You wonder what went through his brain when coming up with the concept, he gently places it upon your braided hair and whispers, so only you hear, “for my mighty dragon.” 

Gods, you want to cry. 

“All hail the queen!” He shouts, turning to the crowd in front of him. They chant along with him as you finally ascend to the throne, your body fits perfectly against the seat as you stare out at the people, no, subjects in front of you. 

And while your new subjects stare up at you with unadulterated rage and shock, a shiver of happiness worms its way into your heart. This might not have been the way your mother wished for the war to truly end. She would still disapprove of your marriage to Aegon, but you know that at this moment as you sit on the iron throne, the crown of y/n the mighty laid upon your dark curls, that she would finally be proud of you. 

And in the end, that’s all you ever wanted.

[misguidedasgardian]

The White Dragon (18)

18. Second sons

MASTERLIST

Summary: The heir to the Driftwood throne and the one-eye prince perspective on things

Pairings: main Harwin Strong x Fem!Targaryen reader

Warnings: cursing, medieval and A song of ice and Fire AU customs, someone getting unceremoniously beheaded, use of the word bastard, Aemond’s thoughts on things, talks about underage marriage and customs, insults, canon level violence. AEMOND BEING JEALOUS AND A LITTLE PETTY (A warning on itself, and a little OOC) MIght miss some.

+18, MINORS DNI

Wordcount: 4.1k

Notes: After the last chapter where we saw the new dynamic between the two families, now we crash it with Rhaenyra’s, more Targaryens more drama I’d believe 

You and a great part of the court waited for your sister and her family in the courtyard. You had made sure to make it grand, she was the heir to the throne. Banners were being lifted, and with your own father’s blessing, a tourney was being organized. Your father is so happy to have Rhaenyra back.

He had regained his spirits, he had risen from his bed, ready to receive her. 

So when her carriage arrived, you, and Aemma were ready to receive them alongside other members of the court. And beyond that, you were to escort them to see the King in his private chambers

“It’s been a while”, you mock, as she walk up the stairs 

“It has”, and you took the liberty to hug her against your chest.

“Welcome cousins”, Aemma greeted Jacaerys and Lucerys, “it’s been a long time since we have seen each other”

“Since you visited Dragonstone and took a dragon”, said Jacaerys and Aemma couldn’t figure out if he was bitter about that or that is just what he looked like regularly.

“You have grown!”, said Lucerys, who was just one year older

“And you as well cousin”, she giggled. And then she looked upon Bhaela and Raena, and greeted them as well

“Uncle!”, you hugged Daemon too

“Dear niece”, he greeted, and as you greeted your cousins and nephews, “it’s good to be home”

“Is good to have you, I hope this is a lengthy visit”, you whispered back.

You let all of your children disperse into the Red Keep, as you led Daemon and Rhaenyra towards your fathers chambers. 

“I must warn you, father is not the same he has been six years ago”, you whispered, “he is very sick, he does not even attend small council meetings”, the sickness has taken half of his face

“I see”, Rhaenyra nodded at you as the guards announced you and you entered the King’s privy chambers 

“My daughter!”, your father was seated by the fire, he couldn’t stand up but Rhaenyra hastily trotted to his side, “it's so good to see you and have you here, my daughter!”, he repeated 

“Father”, she answered with a shy smile. 

My daughter, that kind of burned inside of you, as you shared strange looks with Daemon

“It's so good to have you here, my heir, I've missed you”. It was RHaenyra who had expelled herself from court and left in your father’s hour of greatest need, but as soon as she is here all is forgotten.  

You shook your head

You couldn’t think like that, she is your sister, all of this you are doing is for her

Well, exactly, you are doing it, you are the one doing the work

You excuse yourself from the reunion and leave your father’s chambers. They need to catch up, the three of them, together. 

When you found your children, they were gathering in the courtyard. You entered by the terrace, from where your father used to watch the boys practice 

Rhaegar was training with Steffon, Aemond with Arryk, and then… your eyes drifted to the corner of the courtyard, where Jacaerys and Lucerys stood, watching with wide mouths at the two young men’s skill. 

Harwin, who was supposed to be in shift with the City Watch walked inside the courtyard, dismissing Rhaegar, who had begged him to watch him in his latest training since he had managed to best Ser Steffon, and yet he had never showed up. Harwin kept walking until he greeted Jacaerys, hugging him tightly. 

Rhaegar got distracted and Steffon managed to scratch his arm, making him whine. But not even then Harwin looked at him, instead keeping his undivided attention in his first son. 

Rhaegar was fine, but after he was distracted, he lost his temple and strength, so bad Steffon made him stop.

Meanwhile Harwin had encouraged Jacaerys and Lucerys to grab their own blades to spar, their abilities truly lacking, while Aemond and Rhaegar were managing to fight alongside members of the Kingsguard. 

You shook your head again, not wanting to compare. Trying to make the dark thoughts flee your head. 

But Jacaerys was the heir to the throne

You saw from the gallery how Aemond grabbed Rhaegar’s shoulder, and walked with him to a corner, they seemed to talk, the older Prince seemed to speak words of comfort as Rhaegar only nodded. agreeing on whatever he was seeing. And then, they both walked with purpose back to their teachers, ready to spar again. And what you saw in your son’s eye was determination. And then both boys started some sort of deadly dance. Rhaegar was moving with a fluency that amazed you. Like a dancer, moving the swords in each of his hands with a skill you had never seen before. Steffon was trying hard to keep up, wielding the same two blades as his young opponent. 

With a loud sound he managed to disarm one of Steffon’s blades, the sound making everyone look at them, even Harwin, and then, Rhaegar kept going at him, making him lose ground, making him fall back, until he blocked a desperate blow with one sword and threatened Steffon’s neck with the other, making him yield and declare him a victor. 

A huge emotion flooded you, making you clap your hands desperately, wanting to communicate how proud you were of him. And then you saw it, Rhaegar heard you, looking up at you and smiling

“You saw that mama?”, he asked, making everyone laugh, including you. He was still a child in a deadly young man’s body. 

The hearing was held after noon. The air became tense when Vaemond entered the courtyard surrounded by Velaryon’s soldiers and banners. Interrupting your son’s practice, they decided to get immediately to the hearing.

He was a petulant little man. Blinded by greed

And you were all made to stand there as he laid claim to a seat he had no chance of getting. It was bitter, it was true, but Lord Corlys has his wife, Princess Rhaenys, still alive, and grandsons and granddaughters.

Your father listened intently, more bored than everything else.

Your father had risen from his dying bed to be here today for Rhaenyra, the Greens plans were stumped as they barely hatched. 

“I don’t understand Lord Vaemond, the only person in this room that could say, openly, what are the true desires of Lord Corlys regarding his succession, is Princess Rhaenys”. The Queen who never was, stood forward. You had always had deep admiration from her, sadly your own lives would keep you apart.

“He had express deeply that Lucerys, his oldest grandson, is to be the heir to the driftwood throne, and it pleases me to announce, that Rhaenyra has express her desire to wed Lucerys to my granddaughter Rhaena, and Jacaerys to Baela, and I agree”

“Is settled, then”, your father sentenced, “once again”

But Vaemond wouldn’t take it, and as the most incapable person you ever met to read a room, he stood in front of the entire court and royal family dn questioned your father

“That is not true Velaryon!”, he screamed, pointing at the pale skin of Lucerys, “her children are bastards!”, you opened your eyes widely, and wondered if this was all a plot with the greens. And you guessed it truly was. “And she is a whore!” he sentenced, and you saw it happened, Daemon looked at Rhaenyra and she nodded slightly, and then he sneaked in behind Vaemond and…

“I’ll have your tongue for this!”

His head rolled

“He can keep his tongue”

It was so fast you guessed he barely felt it, one second he was screaming profanities and the next his body was in one palace and the upper part of his head was in another. 

You stared at the body in the ground… a pond of blood growing around it.

As Otto Hightower demanded your uncle to be surrounded and disarmed and the court fell into chaos… You just stared at that body. And when you looked up you found Rhaenys staring back at you, and you didn’t know why. 

You looked at your own family, Rhaegar had hugged Aemma to hide her face in his chest, Maekar was solemnly standing, looking away. And when you looked at the other side of the hall was Aemond, in a clear defensive position, Alicent was guarding Helaena, and Aegon even seemed amused by the scene unfolding in front of him. 

Harwin, by your side, chuckled darkly

“That is what you get to mess with the true line of succession”, he whispered. And you found his words truly surprising. He seemed pleased.

Your eyes found Vaemond’s Velaryons body again .

This is what happens when you fuck with the true line of succession.

Your father didn’t even seemed fazed, looking at the scene unfold in front of him

He didn’t understand

He didn’t understand why he had to break bread with his half-sister’s family. With Rhaenyra’s family.

He was conflicted about what he was feeling at the moment. His eye trailed all the members of his family that were attending the feast. There was Helaena, Aegon, Maekar, Rhaegar, Aemma, Jacaerys, Baela, Rhaena, Lucerys at his other end, Harwin Strong, his uncle Daemon and then his half sisters, and then the King, Queen, his grandfather. and then him again. And bitter as sweet thoughts roamed his mind depending on who he was looking at. He felt good, he felt appreciated, and he even felt loved when he looked at the Strongs, but when he looked at the false Velaryons he felt bitter, he felt angry. He didn’t want them there. 

He was accustomed to living with the family of the Princess, he enjoyed it too. They had become his family, they had a dynamic, a routine, they fit perfectly in it. They helped him grow, he believed he himself had helped them grow in turn.

When she arrived six years ago she insisted they ate together every night.

Before this, his mother would feed them in their own chambers, only in the company of his siblings and then each went their separate ways. But when you arrived you made sure you dined together at least four times a week. Rhaenyra had left the Keep, so it was only your family and his… And it was better because of it, no tension, no angry looks or resentment. And he would rather be caught dead than to admit how much he enjoyed those nights.

Rhaegar, of course, was always the center of attention, because he was such a good narrator, he would talk about his day in such detail and gravitas that caught everyone's attention, and even though if he had been there himself, he would always enjoy the tales of the youngest twin. And he would include him in his tales as well, always with great praise especially in their training sessions

Viserys seemed to enjoy those tales, even his grandfather Otto seemed to chuckle and toast to the young man. He even made his mother giggle.

Maekar was a little more quiet, but seeing both twins interact with each other was even more entertaining. He was more the reader, like he, they would often entertain each other with questions and discussions about philosophy and history, their favorite subjects. 

Ser Harwin always had a nice remark to make about his sons, and even about Aemond, praises about their training. 

His beautiful Aemma would giggle, always at his sister's side. Oh, his sister, she seemed so happy with her niece, even if Helaena was six years older than her, they were always seen together, talking, or even not talking at all but keeping each other's company. In their dinners they would always sit together and chat and giggle between them. Helaena would often reject any touching from a person, even her mother, but Aemma would often hug her and lay her head in her shoulder or vice versa and she would be content 

Aegon was drunk most of those dinners, he had stopped attending training lessons on pathetic excuses and he was neglecting his studies. You tried to keep him close, he tried, Maekar tried, but nothing ever worked. He was harming Helaena, the two children they had, and himself. At least he had the decency to appear to the dinners, even if shortly after he disappeared from the Keep and let himself get lost in the streets of King’s Landing.

He enjoys their training with Rhaegar, he enjoyed learning with Maekar, he enjoyed having Aemma by his side and hear her sweet voice and teach her High Valyrian and discuss history and geography with her. He enjoyed reading tales in High Valyrian out loud while his sister and betrothed sewed in the same room, and Vaegor, Jaehaerys and Jahaera played, all of them enjoying the sound of his voice, and asking him how to pronounce certain words. He enjoyed meeting with his half-sister to talk about politics, play chess while you both discussed matters of war and supposed sceneries 

Yes, Aemond enjoyed his life with his extended family. 

His mother, Alicent, absolutely loaded Ser Harwin Strong years ago, and when he was young, he understood why, he had fathered Jacaerys and then he married the other princess and gave her sons too. He had horrible morals and he was compensated, endangering Rhaenyra, and her sons. He mocked Jacaerys and also Lucerys because of this, they were bastards and everyone should know, even though the youngest didn’t look like the strongest knight in the seven Kingdoms. 

But six years ago, when Harwin and the Princess’ family came to live here, he started seeing things differently. He saw the man almost every day, Harwin started training him, and of course alongside his sons, and he was a good person, a decent man, and an even more amazing Knight, and above all, he was a great father and husband. 

He watched with envy the interactions between him and his sons, and he wished he had a similar bond with his own father.

But Viserys was old and sickly

So he started to take what he could. He started to relate more to his nephews, to the husband of his half-sister, and even, Ser Steffon, his mentor and trainer. 

So he sat in the corner of the table, brooding, when he had to share the table and break bed with the Velaryon bastards and their horrid mother. Who came for the first time in six years and thought they owned the place

They had taken his eye, they had mistreated him, mocked him, all of his youth for not having a dragon, and Aegon helped too. He looked at Aemma at the other side of the table. They would have mocked her too if it weren’t for her being raised in Harrenhal and then because of her brothers that always defended her so fiercely. 

His eye trailed her face to find that white line in the top of her upper lip. Her lips had recovered beautifully, but the white line was still there, taunting him. She found him staring and gave him a warm smile like she used to

She never resented him for hurting her, it was an accident, and either way, she had made a full recovery, unlike him. His eye were never coming back.

And it was because of Jacaerys 

And now he was there, laughing and chatting with Rhaegar. Well he did believe that the Strong could even strike a conversation with one of the silent sisters if given the chance 

His nephew, his friend, someone that he considered and held more dear to him than his own brother.

Perhaps what he was feeling that night was jealousy 

Especially since Jacaerys was leaning over his Aemma to talk to Rhaegar, making the girl blush by his closeness. He growled, unpleased, capturing the attention of his brother Aegon, who following his angry gaze found exactly the source of his brother’s bitterness and chuckled darkly 

“Seems Jacaerys won’t ever tire of taking things from you brother”, he mocked 

“He will never have Aemma”, he said back 

“Yes I might train with two swords but Aemond is the real star”, he heard the dark haired young man said, and both looked in his direction, “he could totally beat my ass”, he chuckled

“I would like to spar with you, uncle” muttered Jace, with both of you

“Oh we don’t fight each other”, said Rhaegar, “is Ser Steffon’s rule, he never pins us against each other, we are always together against him, Ser Arryk or Cole or anyone else” 

Oh but he wouldn’t mind spar against Jacaerys and teach him a thing or two, after all, he wasn’t his training partner, he was nothing to him… Perhaps maybe he could truly injure him and pretend it was an accident, those do happen, after all. 

“But we can make an exception with you nephew”, he said darkly 

His mother said his life could be forfeit when Rhaenyra took the throne. So he looked at his half-sister and he imagined bending the knee to her instead of Rhaenyra. She was somebody he could trust. She would never hurt him or Helaena. She was Strong enough to stake her claim with other contenders for the throne. Nobody would blink an eye, nobody would even look at Aegon with her on the throne. 

He would marry his sweet Aemma and live a life here at his family’s side, perhaps Aegon could fuck off to the other side of the Narrow sea, but Helaena would stay here, he would make sure of it, and the children. Aegon didn’t deserve them. 

A life in the Keep at Aemma and Helaena’s side seemed heavenly, something out of his best dreams. Perhaps one day, the princess now queen would name him hand of the Queen, since they both enjoyed their chats about politics all to much

But his fleeting hopes were drowned out by the toasts of Rhaenyra, in honor of his mother, and the toast of his own mother, regarding Rhaenyra. His mother was bowing her head towards the Black Princess. And he found himself growing more angry. Aegon was not fit to be King, but Rhaenyra wasn’t either.

Yes she was firm, and joust, but… he looked right in front where her bastards were dining and drinking. Pathetic.

“To Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond, we have not seen each other in years but I have fond memories of our shared youth, so as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies, to you and your families’ good health, uncles!”, greeted Jacaerys

“The only fond memories I have of our shared youth are the ones where my dear Aemma is in”, he said, hiding his mouth in his cup of wine

“You too”, answered Aegon to Jacaerys. 

You sat there, in the middle of Harwin and Rhaenyra, who were talking over you like you weren't there. He had praised Jacaerys’ swordsmanship, he had complimented Lucerys in his new position to inherit the Driftwood throne, and he had praised her and how beautiful she had  become in the last years. And how eloquently she had defended Lucerys today in the hearing

Even your father had talk highly of his eldest daughter and heir

And you wondered

Why? For what? What have you been doing the last six years?

Putting your life on hold to keep the place warm for your sister. Sacrificing yours and your children's safety in her service. Who had attended all the small council meetings and lost sleep thinking of ways to passively fight those who would oppose your sister’s reign? Who had abandoned the peacefulness and safety of her home to lock herself in the Red Keep?

Not even a word of praise

Not even a fucking thank you 

Second place is all you were going to get. 

You wanted to cry.

You wanted to tell Harwin to shut up

You didn’t do it for the praise, you did it because you wanted to, to keep your family together and not in the hands of the High Towers. But you were tired, you weren’t cut for it, or perhaps, you were cut too perfectly for a job that was never going to be truly yours.

You wanted to take your children and go back to White Hall, with your tree and your tower and the growing library, dragon rides and Valyrian lessons. No septas and schemes, and vile tongues and plots, no political neusenses. Where your children could be free, and your dragons could be free. 

“Another tribute”, Aemond demanded, as he rose from his seat catching everyone’s attention., raising his cup, “To my dear half sister…”, and just when you thought he was looking at Rhaenyra, he turned to you, “sitting by my mother’s side, helping to rule this kingdom, the true unifier of our family”, he continued, “You give our family an stellar training partner, a insatiable scholar, and most importantly, you gave us sweet Aemma… to you and your family’s health, good sister”. And to your surprise, many shared the sentiment. And you smiled warmly.  

“To our family, together and united”, you chanted, and again they all followed, “thank you for your kind words dear brother”. You looked at Aemma that was smiling warmly at Aemond, but Jacaerys whispered something near her ear that made her turn to him, looking at him surprised

“I’m perfectly happy with this arrangement”, you heard her whispered, so close to Jacaerys that was almost improper

“They make a handsome couple”, Viserys whispered to you, and you looked with emergency when you realized he was referring to Jacaerys and Aemma 

“They are both already betrothed father”, you whispered back over Rhaenyra

“But they are still so young, and nothing is set in stone, look at them”. In some dark corner of his fragile mind, he wanted Aemma ruling alongside Rhaenyra’s successor. That would be the ultimate match. Rhaenyra’s blood and his sweet Aemma incarnated 

“Jacaerys can marry Aemma, and Bhaela can marry Aemond, that is what will truly unite our houses”, he sentenced

“But father”, you argued, the table silent in one second. Harwin grabbed your hand and squeezed. And you looked at him with urgency. Your father stood up, with Alicent’s help, and guards led him out of the table and the chamber. He had beginning coughing and needed to rest, and let the family in an unsavory discussion 

“It should have been done from the beginning”, he said, “Our daughter and Jacaerys in the Iron Throne”, and you couldn’t believe his words. His two children in the Iron Throne more like it. 

Was he also blinded by greed like Vaemond? Was this his plan all along? You looked into your husband’s eyes and decided that no, he hadn't planned this from the beginning, he wasn’t like that. But the chance was right there, perhaps something had made him think Jacaerys was more suited to marry Aemma than the one-eyed Prince. But you didn't think so.

“We gave our word”, you whispered back

“Is what the King wants”, he said

“Is not what I want”, you fought 

“You are refusing the heir to the Iron Throne?”, your sister asked out loud. Your eyes found your daughter’s and she looked at you worried, and then she looked at Aemond. 

“Daemon say something”, you demanded, “I’m sure you feel offended, Baela should marry Jacaerys as agreed upon”

“Yes, I’m with you”, he said, drowning his worry in the cup of wine in his hand. 

Aemond, who had clearly heard the conversation, stood up violently, catching the attention of everyone at the table. What you missed is that Lucerys had been giggling at his expense too. He stormed out of the room 

You followed discreetly, when all the conversations resumed. You found him in the Godswood, looking at the heart tree. You got close to him, letting your presence be known, but slowly like he was a wild animal. 

“Did the news of the new betrothal upset you?”, you asked

“You are a second son, just like me…”, he continued, “you should know what it feels like to have things taken away from you to be given to those born naturally before you, even if they don’t deserve it”, you kept quiet 

“It’s a difficult place, the one we occupy”, you agreed, “why are you so intent on marrying Aemma?”, you asked then. And he seemed to ponder, but didn’t say anything, “You better have a good reason. Because I’m not marrying Aemma to Jacaerys”, you told him, he looked over at you with his eye, sharply, “and that is the hill I’m willing to die on”

More notes: just second sons…. the princess, Aemond, Daemon, Veamond. I decided to give the family a couple more years for their dramas before everything goes to crap again 😂

You have no idea how I deleted and wrote again some parts... we still have some family events ahead of us before the dance starts... and next chapter, we have a special guest joining the game... because I'm a pleaser and it also makes sense... we have a tournament with a very special northener guest 😂😂

taglist! ❤️@tearsarcane @integra1127 @aestmilky @thanyatargaryen @tythaitie @lostinworldofdarkness @voodoogoul @wildmindedbeauty32 @lil-pudd @alicattx @electric-bloo @astaaan-lol @stargaryenx @kaitieskidmore1 @bregarc @lilpnd @jcpenneyyy @janelei @fexibau @ladyoakenshield157 @danielle-leah1997 @lady-ragnvindr @cecilyjmorgenstern @omgsuperstarg @bugheadskid @batprincess1013 @her-fandom-sanctum @holb32 @blue1006 @stargaryenx @grippleback-galaxy

[ackermental]

Daemon is literally awesome😎 These Daemon haters can go fuck themselves, it’s just like you said that Daemon is basically the only one in the council who is doing his job. Viserys doesn’t do shit and avoids all responsibilities, Otto’s only goal is to remove Daemon from council and the other people are just there. The only one besides Daemon who is doing his job is Corlys who is basically ignored by everyone at the council. I was super happy that Daemon stood up for himself at the end and told Viserys just how he feels because it is the truth. Viserys should’ve done more for his brother, he should have his brother as hand but instead he constantly removes his brother and chooses to listen to Otto🤡 Now listen i will not deny that Daemon can be a big asshole at times but everything he does always has a good explanation behind it. The whole orgy scene and “celebration” didn’t even seem like it was Daemon’s idea since when we see that scene, he is just sitting and actually looking really sad. He only toasted when Mysaria prompted it. Viserys automatically choosed to believe Otto when he claimed that Daemon said heir for a day which i can understand had to hurt Daemon to see just how fast Viserys believes any bad rumour about him.

Well, we have much to unpack here, nonny.

 There are only two real reasons why Viserys even has a crown:

He doesn’t have a dragon.

He’s a complete pushover.

It doesn’t necessarily mean he’s doing nothing, it just means he’s doing what he’s told/manipulated/persuaded to do.

Otto aka Hightowers aka Oldtown Triad have many goals in mind. Getting rid off Daemon is just a step to achieve them.

And other people are not just there. Actually, let’s look at Viserys Small Council, shall we?

We have Otto Hightower, second son of the House Hightower of Oldtown, who have strong connections with the Faith and the Citadel.

We have Lyman from House Beesbury. A House sworn to the Hightowers of Oldtown. A man who will give his life supporting the Blacks later on. The first episode did a remarkable job of showing us him being under Otto’s boot during Small Council meetings and then betting on Daemon during the tourney. He has to do Otto’s biddings, but his symapathies lie closer to Daemon.

We have Grand Maester Mellos, who came from Citadel, which also happens to be in Oldtown (huh, I’m beginning to see a pattern here). A man who will organize a marriage between Rhaenyra and Laenor (who was a well known homosexual), which will create rumors about Rhaenyra’s children being bastards.

We have Lyonel Strong, who became Master of Laws after Otto Hightower removed Daemon from this position. A man who spent his youth studying in Citadel in Oldtown. A man whose son will be rumored to become Rhaenyra’s lover, which will put the legitimacy of her heir into question. A man whose daughters will become handmaids of Rhaenyra, putting them in a perfect position to become spies. Lord of Harrenhal, a place of the Great Council of 101, where Rhaenys was robbed of her birthright for a second time.

We have Corlys Velaryon, husband of Rhaenys Targaryen, the only person except for Daemon who’s not a part of the Oldtown Triad conspiracy, and wouldn’t you know it, nobody wants to hear what he has to say.

 Now, we have to remember that Corlys also cares about himself and he’s playing the game for his House and his children’s sake only. Actually, if we need to point out the most ambitious man in the room, it’ll be Corlys, not Daemon.

  The war of the Stepstones is more of a problem for Driftmark than it is for Westeros, but that’s not the reason why he’s being shoved aside. It’s just that he’s been in opposition to the Oldtown Triad ever since he married Aemon’s daughter, so this hostility still exists till this day.

Daemon’s not standing up for himself, not just yet. He was simply spilling facts to Viserys.

He is weak. His Council and court are full of conspirators who have been working day and night for years to create a rift between two brothers.

 And you may not deny it, nonny, but I will. Daemon is a human being and if I was in his position, I wouldn’t be half as nice.

 Does it really matter if the orgy was his idea or not? He doesn’t look pleased or smug at all and he says nothing outrageous.

 „The heir for a day” was Lord’s Hightower idea. I love the fact that the showrunners cought up to that, wish the audience did as well.

 Daemon was just done by this point. And who can blame him, really?